With the holy month of Ramadan days away, the central Somali region of Mudug continues to grapple with a devastating drought that has persisted for more than three years, affecting thousands of residents and their livestock. In response to the escalating crisis, Ridwan Abdurahman Haji Dheere, a member of the Somali diaspora and candidate for the Federal Parliament, has delivered emergency relief supplies to the drought-stricken community of Bajeela.
The humanitarian assistance, comprising 10 water tanks and essential food supplies, was distributed to local administrators and community members in Bajeela, located in the heart of Mudug region. The area has been particularly hard hit by the prolonged dry spell, which has caused acute water shortages, health complications, and severe food scarcity threatening the population with malnutrition and starvation.
According to a report by Somali National Television, local administrators and residents expressed profound gratitude to Ms. Haji Dheere for the timely intervention. Community leaders noted that the region is experiencing its most severe drought conditions to date, with both humans and livestock suffering from the lack of rainfall and resources.
During the distribution ceremony, Ms. Haji Dheere, who is identified as belonging to the Beesha Ali Xaashi (Ali Hashi clan), described the donation as a modest but necessary beginning to broader relief efforts. "This is just a start," she told the gathering, acknowledging that while the 10 water tanks and food packages are insufficient to meet the overwhelming need, they provide immediate relief to the most vulnerable families.
Source: Original video
The parliamentary candidate used the opportunity to issue a passionate appeal to the Somali diaspora worldwide, current Members of Parliament, and fellow political candidates to intensify their support for drought-affected communities. She urged those with means to remember their brethren suffering inside the country, particularly as the fasting month of Ramadan approaches.
"The solution lies with the people of this land who carry the burden of this drought," Ms. Haji Dheere stated, emphasizing that collective action is required to address the crisis. She indicated that she had been moved to act after hearing about the severe conditions in Bajeela and plans to return with additional assistance.
Local residents who received the aid described the situation as desperate, with the drought representing the worst they have faced in three years. They appealed for continued support from diaspora members and political figures, expressing hope that more substantial aid would follow.
Ms. Haji Dheere highlighted that the drought has created dangerous conditions capable of causing death from malnutrition and exposing the population to extreme hardship. She called on all Somalis, both within the country and abroad, to contribute to relief efforts for the affected populations, stressing that immediate intervention is necessary to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.