By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Garowe, 20 August 2026 Puntland has urged United Nations agencies and other humanitarian organisations to prioritise drought-affected communities as reduced aid and prolonged dry conditions put pressure on vulnerable pastoral families.
Puntland Vice President Ilyas Osman Lugatoor made the call during a World Humanitarian Day commemoration in Garowe on Wednesday organised by state's Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management.
Lugatoor said humanitarian agencies should coordinate their programmes with the priorities identified by Puntland authorities and direct limited resources to communities with the greatest needs.
“We must share the concerns of people facing difficult circumstances, recognise that they need assistance and direct the limited resources we have to the areas of greatest need,” Lugatoor said.
He said international aid to Somalia had declined and urged humanitarian organisations, including U.N. agencies, to work closely with Puntland’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and other relevant ministries.
Lugatoor also called on Puntland communities to support vulnerable families and work towards greater self-reliance as humanitarian resources become more limited.
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He said many pastoral families had lost livestock and were struggling with shortages of milk, meat and income, leaving them dependent on assistance.
The vice president also highlighted the importance of preparing for the upcoming Deyr rainy season, saying authorities and humanitarian partners should coordinate preparedness and response plans.
The World Humanitarian Day event brought together government officials, international and local organisations, civil society groups and other humanitarian partners.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Abdinasir, Yusuf Haji-Green, thanked humanitarian workers, government institutions, U.N. agencies, international organisations, local groups and volunteers for supporting vulnerable communities.
Puntland has faced prolonged drought conditions that have affected pastoral livelihoods, while humanitarian funding shortages have constrained the wider response. International humanitarian agencies have also identified northern Somalia, including Puntland, as an area facing persistent drought and humanitarian needs.
Puntland authorities said humanitarian partners would be invited to a meeting later this month to discuss preparedness and response plans for the expected rainy season.