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From the Somali Diaspora Advocacy Working Group (SDAWG)
In Response to the Country Humanitarian Forum Communiqué – Baidoa, 6 August 2025
The Somali Diaspora Advocacy Working Group (SDAWG) welcomes the outcome of the Country Humanitarian Forum held in Baidoa, Southwest Somalia, on 6 August 2025. At a time when millions of Somalis are suffering from the devastating impacts of drought, displacement, and hunger, the Forum’s call for more inclusive and locally-driven humanitarian action is both timely and essential.
SDAWG fully endorses the Forum’s objectives to strengthen Somali leadership, improve coordination across sectors, and shift the focus from short-term relief to long-term resilience. These goals reflect the urgent need to build a humanitarian system rooted in Somali priorities, values, and solutions.
We particularly emphasize the importance of turning commitments into action. The Chamber of Commerce’s pledge to allocate 3% of its resources to frontline humanitarian efforts must be fulfilled not only as a financial contribution but also as a demonstration of private sector solidarity with affected communities.
SDAWG also welcomes the establishment of formal coordination mechanisms, supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, that enable diaspora organisations to contribute to sustainable development initiatives, including clean water systems and renewable energy infrastructure.
In addition, we urge federal and state authorities to institutionalise the proposed National Disaster Management Fund. This fund must become official policy, backed by dedicated resources, to ensure Somalia can respond to future crises with strength, dignity, and self-reliance.
Looking ahead, SDAWG is proud to support the upcoming Somali-led forum, “Re-Imagining Humanitarian Partnerships,” scheduled for September 2025.
In conclusion, SDAWG reaffirms its commitment to advancing Somali-led solutions. We believe that empowering Somali communities to lead crisis response and recovery is not only the right approach, it is the only path toward a more resilient and self-sufficient future.
