Sunday February 9, 2025
Baidoa (HOL) – Somalia's Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen has signed the Safeguarding of Humanitarian Assistance Law, marking a major step in enhancing the region's humanitarian aid management and delivery.
The law, drafted by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, was signed during a ceremony in Baidoa on Sunday. Members of Laftagareen's cabinet, UN representatives, and humanitarian organizations attended the ceremony. The legislation is expected to improve accountability and ensure that aid reaches vulnerable populations effectively.
The new framework focuses on strengthening collaboration between government agencies and humanitarian organizations while promoting transparency and efficient distribution mechanisms to ensure that assistance reaches its intended beneficiaries without diversion or misuse.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, President Laftagareen stressed the law's significance and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to its implementation.
"I am very pleased to enact this law to ensure humanitarian aid is distributed fairly to those who need it most. I extend my gratitude to everyone involved in making this possible, and the law will take effect immediately," he said.
The Southwest region, one of Somalia's areas most severely affected by recurring droughts, has faced criticism over the mismanagement of aid and insufficient delivery to affected communities. The new law aims to address these concerns by introducing stricter monitoring and evaluation measures to close gaps in aid distribution.
Humanitarian experts and NGOs welcomed the move, expressing optimism that the legislation will improve the efficiency of aid operations in a region where drought, displacement, and food insecurity remain pressing issues.