Somalia’s Commissioner for Disaster Management, Mahamuud Moallim, and Dr. Emmanuel Nkurunziza, Director-General of the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at bolstering cooperation in disaster management. The agreement, signed today, focuses on enhancing early warning systems and anticipatory approaches to better prepare for and respond to disasters in Somalia.
The MOU will enable the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) to work closely with RCMRD to “improve data management, disaster preparedness, and risk mitigation.” The collaboration is set to strengthen Somalia’s ability to predict and respond to natural disasters such as droughts, floods, and other emergencies that frequently affect the region.
Established in 1975, RCMRD counts Somalia among its founding nations. The agreement signifies Somalia’s renewed commitment to leveraging regional partnerships to enhance its disaster management capacities. According to the statement, the MOU will also help restore Somalia’s standing within the regional and international communities by fostering stronger ties with RCMRD and its member states.
As part of the signing ceremony, the Somali delegation visited RCMRD’s data section, where high-resolution datasets, including imagery and elevation data, are sold and disseminated to member states, research institutions, and students. These datasets will be key in improving Somalia’s access to vital information for disaster risk assessment and management.
Speaking during the event, Commissioner Mahamuud Moallim emphasized the importance of early warning systems in saving lives and reducing the impact of disasters. Dr. Nkurunziza echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the collaboration will build resilience and enhance the region’s preparedness for future disasters.
