Saturday, August 3rd 2024: A delegation from the National Commission for Refugees and IDPs (NCRI), led by Commissioner Safia Hassan Mohamed, visited Baidoa, the capital of South West State, Somalia, for an official three-day visit. They were welcomed by high-level representatives from the South West State Commission for Refugees and IDPs (SWSCRI), led by Commissioner Abdulkadir Ali Mohamed.
The purpose of the visit was to initiate discussions and consultations on the National Strategy to Assist, Protect, and Find Sustainable Solutions for IDPs, Refugees, and Returnees. This strategy, spearheaded by NCRI and developed with input from local and international stakeholders, will serve as the guiding document for all actions and processes aimed at addressing the challenges faced by Somalia’s displacement-affected communities.
During the visit, the delegation was hosted by the President of South West State, H.E. Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen). Commissioner Safia briefed President Mohamed on the ongoing consultations regarding the National Strategy. In response, President Mohamed expressed his gratitude for the Commission’s efforts in serving displaced communities and pledged his unwavering support.
The NCRI team, along with their SWSCRI colleagues, also visited IDP settlements in Baidoa. Commissioner Safia acknowledged the commendable efforts made in securing official settlements for IDPs in the area and urged all parties to redouble their efforts to ensure a self-sufficient future for internally displaced persons.
On the second day, Commissioner Safia officially opened the consultation for the National Strategy. The meeting was attended by officials from South West State, including Commissioner Abdulkadir Ali Mohamed of SWSCRI and the Director General of the SWS Ministry of Planning.
This visit underscores the importance of a unified approach to strategic consultations on displacement and NCRI’s commitment to ensuring a collaborative effort in addressing the challenges faced by these vulnerable communities.
