Somalia Launches a National Emergency Telecom Plan to Enhance Disaster Response

Mogadishu, November 13, 2023 – In a significant step towards enhancing disaster response capabilities, the Somali Government officially unveiled the National Emergency Telecom Plan (NETP) during a multi-stakeholder workshop on the Common Alert Protocol held today in Mogadishu.

The workshop, attended by key stakeholders, including the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SODMA), telecom operators, civil defense, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Interior, and civil society organizations, marks a collaborative effort to establish a unified and efficient communication system during emergencies.

Dr. Mustafa Almahdi, ITU Representative, during the official launching of Somalia NETP, explained the role of ICTs play a critical role in disaster management, remarking on ITU’s commitment to supporting countries in developing their NETPs to providing capacity development programs on Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and facilitating Table Top Exercises (TTX).

Mahmoud Ma’allim Abdulle, the Director General of the SODMA, emphasized the critical nature of the NETP for all stakeholders. Given Somalia’s vulnerability to disasters, he stressed the necessity of a common alert protocol to streamline communication and response efforts.

Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, Manager General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), underscored the plan’s significance in bringing together diverse stakeholders. Expressing optimism regarding its profound impact on the overarching emergency response infrastructure, Mr. Sheikh emphasized that the NCA actively involved all stakeholders throughout the plan’s preparatory phase.

The Minister of Communications & Technology, H.E. Jama Hassan Khalif, thanked the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for their invaluable technical support in developing the National Emergency Telecom Plan. He highlighted the plan’s role in enhancing coordination among various sectors and improving overall disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

The National Emergency Telecom Plan aims to establish a seamless communication framework that enables swift and effective information dissemination during emergencies. Adopting a Common Alert Protocol ensures that relevant stakeholders can collaborate seamlessly, contributing to a more coordinated and efficient disaster response. The Government looks forward to successfully implementing the Plan and anticipates its positive impact on enhancing the nation’s resilience in emergencies.