The Federal Government of Somalia has announced a major policy shift to protect lives, livelihoods, and public resources. The move replaces reactive humanitarian response with proactive disaster risk management.
The change is set out in the National Anticipatory Action (AA) Roadmap (2025–2028). The plan will be led by the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA).
The roadmap addresses Somalia’s high exposure to climate shocks. Recurrent droughts and floods remain the biggest threats.
Official data shows droughts and floods account for nearly 90 percent of disasters nationwide.
The 2021–2023 drought caused an estimated 43,000 excess deaths. The 2023–2024 floods triggered losses above USD 176 million.
The plan formally adopts Anticipatory Action. This approach involves acting before a predicted hazard occurs. The aim is to reduce damage and humanitarian needs.
The strategy rests on six pillars. These include harmonised hazard triggers, coordinated design of early actions, predictable financing, strategic communication, research and learning, and strong legal coordination.
The pillars target long-standing gaps in disaster management systems. Fragmented coordination and limited institutional capacity remain key challenges.
The roadmap builds on recent operational gains. Anticipatory cash transfers were used during the 2023–2024 El Niño floods.
Early-warning actions supported vulnerable communities before peak impact. The interventions were led by SoDMA with support from WFP and FAO. Beneficiary households recorded better food security outcomes. Harmful coping practices declined.
SoDMA Commissioner Mohamud Mo’allim Abdullahi described the roadmap as a defining step for the country.
He said early action reduces humanitarian suffering. He said it protects national development gains.
He called for joint implementation by government institutions, development partners, the private sector, and communities.
The roadmap aligns with national and regional frameworks. These include the National Disaster Risk Management Policy, the Multi-Hazard Early Warning System Strategy, the National Transformation Plan, and the IGAD Regional Roadmap. The alignment places Somalia at the forefront of proactive disaster resilience in the region.
“The roadmap will reshape disaster risk management in Somalia,” Commissioner Mo’allim said. “It marks a clear shift from crisis response to preparedness, prevention, and resilience.”
