By Asha Elmi

Mogadishu, Somalia – The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) dispatched 10 trucks carrying emergency food aid to the Lambar Konton region and surrounding villages, recently affected by ongoing conflict, on May 30, 2025.

The aid, which is specifically targeted at Lambar-50 and its neighboring villages, was handed over to the local district commissioner of Lambar Konton and the coordinator of the Lower Shabelle region’s emergency relief efforts.

During a press conference, SoDMA’s Director, Mahmud Macallin Abdulle, stated that the aid would support the families displaced by the conflict, expressing gratitude to the Chinese government for their support. “This aid is crucial for the displaced families, and we thank the Chinese government for their assistance,” he said.

The shipment forms part of a 1,226-ton food aid package provided by China, designated for vulnerable areas affected by conflict, such as Lower Shabelle.

“Recently, China donated a new consignment of urgent food aid to Somalia. Part of this aid has been distributed to the vulnerable areas of Lower Shabelle to assist those in distress,” said a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Mogadishu.

SoDMA also mentioned that further assistance is expected from Russia and reaffirmed that the agency continues its work to address humanitarian needs in the country and support peacebuilding efforts.

This aid comes as the United States, once the largest donor of humanitarian aid to Somalia, has reduced its contributions, highlighting the growing need for international assistance in the region.