Mogadishu – Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Tuesday welcomed International Rescue Committee (IRC) President and CEO David Miliband in the capital during a significant visit addressing the nation’s escalating humanitarian emergency.

The leaders explored strategies to enhance humanitarian collaboration and expedite critical aid to communities devastated by profound drought, which government statistics indicate has left approximately 4.4 million Somalis requiring immediate assistance. Barre conveyed profound distress regarding the crisis magnitude and reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to aiding vulnerable populations.

Miliband commended Somalia’s current initiatives and promised that the IRC would augment its humanitarian contributions and maintain involvement in development projects. He further indicated his intention to champion Somalia’s requirements within the international community.

Prime Minister Barre requested the IRC to emphasize sustainable, enduring solutions that empower Somali communities to develop resilience. He highlighted that the government is eager to collaborate with international partners to facilitate Somalis attaining economic and social independence.

Barre presented Miliband — a former UK foreign secretary and one of the most influential personalities in the worldwide humanitarian field — with a symbolic token, expressing gratitude for his visit to Somalia during this pivotal juncture.

The gathering occurs as the Somali government amplifies coordination with humanitarian organizations to confront the persistent drought emergency nationwide.