By Mohamed Qaal - Reporter
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Somalia, April 5, 2026 - Authorities in Somalia’s North East State have ordered all humanitarian contractors operating in the region to obtain official permits before conducting relief activities.
In a statement posted on social media by state media on Saturday, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management said the requirement would apply to all firms and contractors involved in emergency response operations across the state.
The ministry said obtaining formal authorization was now a mandatory condition for operating in North East State, warning that any organisation or contractor without approval would not be allowed to implement or participate in humanitarian activities.
“All companies and contractors must secure official permission from the ministry,” the statement said, adding that those without permits would be barred from working in the region.
The directive calls on affected organisations to contact the ministry as soon as possible to obtain the necessary documentation and ensure compliance with the new rules.
It was not immediately clear what prompted the move or how it would affect ongoing humanitarian operations in the region, which, like other parts of Somalia, faces recurring climate shocks and humanitarian needs.
No timeline was given for enforcement, and officials did not say whether exemptions would apply to international aid agencies already operating in the area.