The Ministry of Interior in Djibouti, under the patronage of Minister Omar Abdi Saïd, recently hosted a workshop focused on enhancing risk surveillance and early warning systems in the country. The event, held at the Ayla hotel, gathered several high-ranking officials and representatives from partner organizations. These included Hu Bin, the Chinese Ambassador to Djibouti, Alessandra Roccasalvo, the Resident Representative of the UNDP in Djibouti, and Dr. Ahmed Amdihun, Director of the IGAD Disaster Management Program.
The workshop was organized by the Executive Secretariat for Risk and Disaster Management within the Ministry of Interior, led by Ahmed Mohamed Madar. Other participants included the Prefect of Djibouti-Ville, the Director General of Meteorology, and the Interim Director of Civil Protection, Colonel Abayazid Abdoulkader Moussa. This initiative was implemented with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Chinese International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), and technical assistance from the IGAD.
In his address, Interior Minister Omar Abdi Saïd highlighted that Djibouti already has several risk surveillance systems in place. However, he emphasized the need to strengthen their coordination, consolidate efforts among stakeholders, and ensure effective use of available information. The goal is to enhance the exploitation of risk data to inform decision-making, anticipate emergencies, and facilitate rapid and effective interventions.
The workshop served as a platform for exchange between national institutions and international technical and development partners. Its primary objective was to contribute to strengthening Djibouti's national system for risk and disaster prevention, preparedness, and management. The country's geographical location makes it prone to various natural and man-made hazards, underscoring the importance of such initiatives.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Interior, UNDP, CIDCA, and IGAD reflects a concerted effort to bolster Djibouti's resilience to disasters. By enhancing risk surveillance and early warning systems, the country aims to reduce the impact of potential disasters on its population and infrastructure. This workshop is a step towards achieving a more coordinated and effective disaster management framework.
Key outcomes of the workshop included a better understanding of the existing risk surveillance systems and their limitations. Participants also identified areas for improvement and opportunities for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening Djibouti's disaster risk management capabilities.
The initiative aligns with Djibouti's broader strategy to enhance its disaster risk reduction and management capacities. By investing in risk surveillance and early warning systems, the country seeks to protect its development gains and promote sustainable development. The Ministry of Interior's efforts in this area are critical to ensuring the safety and well-being of Djibouti's population.
Key points
- The workshop was organized with the support of the UNDP, CIDCA, and IGAD.
- The event aimed to strengthen risk surveillance and early warning systems in Djibouti.
- The initiative seeks to enhance Djibouti's disaster risk management capabilities.
