Qatar Red Crescent (QRC) has recently signed a bilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS) to enhance cooperation and coordination in relation to QRC’s humanitarian activities in favor of the drought- and typhoon-affected communities throughout Somalia, particularly in health, water, capacity-building, and community resilience.
A high-profile delegation of SRCS visited QRC premises, including Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Hassan, SRCS President, Dr. Youssef Hassan Mohamed, SRCS Vice-President, Mr. Ahmed Bakal, SRCS Coordinator in Somaliland, and Mr. Mohamed Ahmed Adli, SRCS Coordinator in Mogadishu, Somalia. On the QRC’s side, the pact was signed by the Secretary-General, Mr. Saleh bin Ali Al-Mohannadi, in the presence of the Director of Administrative Affairs and Human Resources, Mr. Nayef bin Faisal Al-Mohannadi, and Head of QRC’s Office in Somalia, Dr. Zuhair Abdel-Qader.
Mr. Al-Mohannadi welcomed the dear guests, confirming the strong QRC-SRCS relations over the years. “This MoU is an extension of QRC’s work in Somalia, in light of its message as an international humanitarian organization that is an auxiliary to the State of Qatar in its humanitarian efforts locally and internationally, striving to protect human dignity at times of disasters or armed conflicts, in compliance with the principles and rules defined by the Geneva Conventions, the Rules and Procedures of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and the relevant national and international laws and regulations,” he pointed out.
On the other hand, the head of Somali delegation, Dr. Hassan, expressed his happiness for coming to Doha to sign this important agreement, which will greatly help reach the biggest portion of the Somali people and improve their lives. He thanked QRC and the State of Qatar for everything they do and provide for the brothers in Somalia.
Dr. Abdel-Qader stated, “QRC began working in Somalia in 2004, and it opened an official office there in 2006. Since then, it has implemented numerous relief and developmental projects in response to famines and malnutrition. The agreement is expected to augment QRC’s efforts to pursue its slogan of ‘Saving Lives and Preserving Dignity’ in favor of the Somali people, helping them overcome their calamities.”
Lasting for one year, renewable, the pact serves as a legal framework for framework for operational cooperation between SRCS and QRC in Somalia. Building on the capacities and mandates of each party, this MoU specifies the responsibilities and potential areas of short-term and long-term cooperation, expanding the scope of support in fundraising, planning and implementation of existing or future projects, long-term community-based development, and facilitation of relief interventions and communication with local authorities upon request.
(Source: Qatar Red Crescent Society)
