By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Somalia, August 06, 2026 - In Somalia, humanitarian work is rarely straightforward.Unlike many countries where aid organisations work within relatively stable environments, Somalia presents a complex reality shaped by armed conflict, political divisions and competing authorities.
In some regions, peace prevails. In others, violence continues. State forces, non-state actors, regional administrations and international organisations all operate within an environment where even the slightest misstep can have devastating consequences.
It is within this challenging landscape that the Somali Red Crescent Society has built one of the continent's most remarkable humanitarian operations.
Speaking to Dawan Africa in Nairobi, Somali Red Crescent National Society Development Advisor Abdulkadir Ibrahim Afi offered a rare glimpse into the delicate balancing act required to provide humanitarian assistance in one of the world's most difficult environments.
"One word you say can jeopardise the whole thing that you are doing," Afi told Dawan.
His remarks highlighted the critical role played by neutrality, independence and impartiality in protecting humanitarian workers and the communities they serve.
Humanitarian work in a fractured country#
According to Afi, Somalia presents every imaginable operating environment.
"You have peaceful contexts, and you also have conflict. You have areas where there is no peace. We have all the actors. We have the authorities, and we have many states," he said.
For humanitarian organisations, this means that every decision, every partnership and every public statement must be carefully considered.
"How you are communicating and what you are doing are extremely important because one word you say can jeopardise the whole thing."
Unlike many international organisations that are often restricted from entering certain parts of Somalia, the Somali Red Crescent Society continues to operate in some of the country's most inaccessible areas.
The organisation's volunteers regularly travel into locations that many others cannot reach, delivering medical care, food assistance and emergency support to vulnerable communities.
"We don't care who is fighting whom," Afi said.
"What we care about is the woman and the child who are suffering in that situation."
The emblem that protects lives#
At the centre of the organisation's work is the red crescent emblem itself.
Afi explained that the symbol is often misunderstood as nothing more than a logo. However, for members of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, it carries legal and humanitarian significance under the Geneva Conventions.
"The emblem is not only a visual sign; it also serves as a protective device during armed conflict," he explained.
The symbol derives its authority from the movement's seven fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
According to Afi, three of these principles are especially important in Somalia: neutrality, impartiality and independence. Violation of any of these principles, he said, would make it impossible for the organisation to operate effectively.
"These principles are what make us different from other organisations. They are what allow us to work in all contexts."
Negotiating access where others cannot go#
Operating in conflict zones requires constant dialogue with communities and armed groups. The Somali Red Crescent spends significant time explaining who it is, what it does and why its work remains independent of political interests.
"We have to engage in a lot of dialogue with different actors. We have to explain who we are, what we do and the idea behind the emblem that we carry."
This process is particularly important in areas controlled by armed groups that may be suspicious of international organisations.
In some cases, international agencies have been prevented from operating in certain parts of the country. Nevertheless, the Somali Red Crescent has continued to provide assistance by relying on its reputation and long-established relationships with communities.
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Walking the fine line of neutrality#
One of the greatest challenges facing the organisation involves balancing cooperation with authorities while maintaining enough independence to preserve the trust of all parties involved in a conflict.
In many countries, partnerships between humanitarian organisations and government ministries are common. Somalia presents a different reality.
"Sometimes I hear people talking about government," Afi said.
"In my case, I cannot always refer to government because, in certain areas, the government itself is one of the actors involved."
For that reason, the Somali Red Crescent is extremely cautious about entering into highly visible partnerships that could compromise public perceptions of its neutrality.
"To co-brand with the Ministry of Health could put us in a difficult situation," he explained.
"When you are working, you have to think about the future."
Why the organisation rejects co-branding#
Another challenge arises from relationships with international partners.
Afi explained that donor agencies and international organisations often request the display of their logos alongside the Red Crescent emblem. However, in Somalia, this could create significant security risks.
"Some partners want to co-brand with us," he said.
"They want their emblem displayed alongside ours."
Yet such arrangements can undermine the organisation's carefully cultivated neutrality.
"There are groups that do not believe in those organisations, but we still need to reach the people living in those areas."
As a result, the Somali Red Crescent often insists that only its emblem be displayed.
"You can give us the resources, and we will provide the reports, but when it comes to visibility, we will be the ones going there."
The approach, he explained, allows the organisation to maintain trust while ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most.
Learning from Sudan#
Throughout his presentation, Afi repeatedly emphasised the importance of planning for unexpected changes.
He pointed to neighbouring Sudan as an example of how rapidly circumstances can deteriorate.
"Yesterday, everything was fine," he said. "Then conflict started."
He warned that organisations perceived as being too closely aligned with governments may find themselves unable to operate if political conditions change.
"How will the other actors trust them?" he asked.
For the Somali Red Crescent, preserving neutrality is therefore not merely a matter of principle but a matter of survival.
A legacy of service#
The Somali Red Crescent Society continues to play a critical role in delivering healthcare, emergency assistance and humanitarian support to millions of people across the country.
Its work has been strengthened under the leadership of President Dr Yusuf Hassan Mohamed, who has consistently advocated for greater investment in locally driven humanitarian solutions.
As Somalia continues to face armed conflict, climate shocks and recurring humanitarian crises, the organisation's experience offers valuable lessons for other countries operating in increasingly fragile environments.
The message from Nairobi was clear: in places where conflict divides communities and institutions, trust can become the most powerful form of protection.
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