Mogadishu, Somalia – (Onkod Radio) In the face of one of the most severe droughts in recent history, the Hassan Kobac Foundation (HKF) has emerged as a beacon of hope, delivering emergency water trucking assistance and food rations to thousands of families in the Hiiraan region of central Somalia.
Access to clean water and nutritious food is a fundamental human right, yet for countless communities across drought-affected areas, these essentials remain out of reach. Farlibaax district, one of the worst-hit areas, has been grappling with an extreme water shortage that has devastated livelihoods, particularly for pastoralists and farmers who rely on natural resources for survival. Against this backdrop, HKF has stepped in, ensuring that no one perishes from thirst or hunger.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Somalia continues to face prolonged extreme dry conditions due to the failure of the October–December 2024 rains, leading to worsening humanitarian conditions. The crisis has deepened in Gedo, Hiiraan, Bay, Bakool, Mudug, and Bari, where people struggle to survive under the relentless sun.
HKF’s humanitarian response has been swift and relentless, reaching Farlibaax district with much-needed aid. For seven consecutive days, the foundation has been delivering food and water, saving lives and restoring hope to thousands of vulnerable people.
One of the representatives from Raasamaal Youth Development, the local organization implementing HKF’s efforts, emphasized the critical impact of the foundation’s work. “We received five truckloads of clean water, generously donated by Hassan Kobac Foundation. This support is truly life-saving. In addition to water, HKF has provided essential food rations, including rice, oil, sugar, and dates, to sustain these communities.”
The scene in Farlibaax was both heartbreaking and inspiring hundreds of women, children, and the elderly lined up to receive water and food, expressing their immense gratitude. One beneficiary, speaking to Universal TV, voiced the relief of an entire community: “We were on the verge of death due to thirst and hunger. But today, thanks to the generosity of Hassan Kobac Foundation, we can see another day with hope.”
Beyond Farlibaax, HKF continues to expand its humanitarian efforts. The foundation recently held its seventh annual Ramadan Iftar in Beledweyne, the regional capital of Hiiraan, where they served hot meals to fasting individuals, reinforcing the spirit of solidarity and compassion during the holy month.
Founded 15 years ago by Hassan Idow Muhumed Kobac, HKF has been at the forefront of humanitarian assistance in Somalia. As an independent, voluntary, non-profit organization, the foundation has focused on education, food distribution, healthcare, disability support, and shelter assistance for displaced communities. HKF also ensures access to clean water, sanitation, and clothing distributions during Islamic holidays for internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the country.
Speaking on the urgency of the crisis, Hassan Kobac reaffirmed his foundation’s unwavering commitment: “The region has been devastated by this drought, and Farlibaax is among the hardest-hit areas. We have provided what we can as a life-saving measure and will continue to do so, but the need is immense. We must do more.”
As climate change and environmental challenges continue to threaten Somalia’s fragile humanitarian landscape, organizations like Hassan Kobac Foundation stand as a testament to the power of community-driven efforts in providing relief and restoring dignity to those in need. Their tireless work calls upon the international community, donors, and humanitarian agencies to join hands in addressing the crisis before it claims more lives.
The story of Hassan Kobac Foundation is not just one of aid delivery; it is a story of resilience, compassion, and the relentless fight against human suffering. The call for action is clear: Somalia’s vulnerable communities need continued support, and every effort counts in the battle against drought-induced devastation.
Recognizing the foundation’s outstanding efforts, Deputy Speaker of Hirshabelle Parliament, Hon. Mahad Hassan Osman, strongly commended and endorsed the Hassan Kobac Foundation for its unwavering dedication to humanitarian assistance. He urged partners, stakeholders, and development agencies to support and collaborate with this impactful initiative as it continues to shape a brighter future for Somalia’s most vulnerable communities.