MOGADISHU Mr. Tom Fletcher, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, arrived in Mogadishu on Monday for a multi-day official visit focused on enhancing the international humanitarian partnership with Somalia and addressing current challenges.

Upon arrival at Mogadishu International Airport, the UN official was welcomed by Mr. Hassan Mohamed Ali, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Mohamud Moalim Abdulle, Chairman of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA); and Mr. George Conway, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia.

The visit occurs at a critical juncture to review humanitarian operations, assess pressing needs, explore methods to improve field response capabilities, and guarantee the effective delivery of assistance to vulnerable communities across Somalia requiring immediate support.

Mr. Fletcher will engage in multiple high-level discussions with senior Somali government officials, alongside intensive working meetings with humanitarian partners and international organizations active in the field to strengthen collaborative efforts.

Discussions will concentrate on supporting the most vulnerable populations, emphasizing the need to secure funding for humanitarian and development initiatives that improve responses to climate variations and emergency situations affecting the nation.

Mr. Mohamud Moalim Abdulle, Chairman of SoDMA, welcomed the visit, stating that the UN official’s presence significantly strengthens national and local efforts to reduce hardship and improves the effectiveness of relief operations managed by the Agency in partnership with stakeholders.

The visit seeks to provide an accurate representation of Somalia’s humanitarian situation to the global community, raising international awareness and motivating donor nations and organizations to expand support for humanitarian response plans developed jointly by the United Nations and the Somali government.

Mr. Tom Fletcher’s Somalia visit extends from April 27 to May 1, encompassing field visits and technical sessions designed to evaluate aid delivery methods and maintain the sustainability of essential programs benefiting affected communities.

The visit demonstrates the mutual dedication of Somalia and the international community to tackling complex humanitarian issues. Through collaboration between the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Somalia is progressing toward establishing a robust disaster management framework, with the prominent UN presence serving as a cornerstone for humanitarian stability and dignity for Somali communities.