Somalia advances emergency telecommunications and early warning systems in national workshop

The National Communications Authority (NCA), in partnership with the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has hosted a two-day national workshop to strengthen emergency telecommunications and Cell Broadcast Early Warning Systems (CB-EWS) in Somalia. The event, held under Pillar 3 of the global Emergency Warning for All (EW4All) initiative, gathered key stakeholders, including telecom operators and internet service providers, to discuss policy and regulatory frameworks for effective disaster preparedness. 

The ITU representative, Dr. Mustafa Almahdi highlighted the life-saving potential of robust telecommunications systems during emergencies and reiterated ITU’s support for Somalia’s disaster resilience efforts. Dr. Ahmed Abdi Adan, Deputy Commissioner of SoDMA, stressed the need for modern warning technologies to enhance national preparedness. Meanwhile, Mr. Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, Director General of the NCA, reaffirmed the authority’s dedication to establishing a reliable emergency communication framework tailored to Somalia’s needs. 

Over the two-day workshop, participants examined policy and regulatory requirements for implementing CB-EWS, reviewed coordination mechanisms for emergency alerts, and identified technical and legal measures for effective message dissemination via mobile networks. A key outcome was the development of a roadmap for CB-EWS implementation, aligning with the broader EW4All initiative. 

This workshop marks a significant step in Somalia’s efforts to ensure timely and effective early warning systems, safeguarding communities against disasters.

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye