The National Commission for Refugees and IDPs (NCRI) and IBS Bank have signed a groundbreaking partnership agreement in Mogadishu to enhance support for displaced communities in Somalia. The collaboration aims to promote economic empowerment and improve the livelihoods of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the country.
The signing ceremony was attended by leaders from NCRI, IBS Bank management, government officials, and prominent Somali businesspeople. Abdirisaq Warsame, the Deputy Governor of IBS Bank, highlighted the transformative impact the bank has had on the lives of Somali communities through its financial services.
“In the past, people would visit banks only if they had money to deposit,” Warsame said. “However, when IBS Bank started operations, we focused on enabling even those without resources to leverage their skills and expertise to generate income. We have undertaken significant efforts, often unseen, to facilitate their economic activities.”
Warsame commended the resilience and determination of the displaced communities, who work tirelessly to support their families and achieve self-sufficiency. He emphasized IBS Bank’s commitment to providing them with the necessary tools and resources to succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Safiya Hassan Mohamed, the Chairperson of NCRI, stressed the shared responsibility of the Somali people in uplifting the lives of displaced communities. She highlighted the government’s efforts to support these vulnerable groups and called for collaboration with organizations like IBS Bank to ensure effective assistance reaches those in need.
“We need to collaborate and work with institutions like IBS Bank and others to ensure that the Somali government can fulfill its responsibilities to its people and accurately report the number of refugees and IDPs in the country,” Mohamed said. “Our people should not solely rely on external aid; we must unite and work together to reduce our dependence on others.”
The partnership between IBS Bank and NCRI is a significant step towards promoting financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods for displaced communities in Somalia. By combining their expertise and resources, the two organizations aim to create opportunities for refugees and IDPs to achieve self-reliance and contribute to the country’s development.
