Somalia’s National Disability Agency Pushes for Inclusion in National Development Plan
The National Disability Agency of Somalia convened a crucial meeting today in Mogadishu, bringing together disability organizations, civil society groups, and government ministries. The central focus of the gathering was to explore ways to incorporate disability matters into the country’s upcoming 5-year national development plan.
Ali Abdullahi Salad, a member of the National Disability Agency’s high committee, emphasized their commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities in Somalia attain their rights. “Our goal is to have the disability community represented in the national development plan that the Somali government is preparing,” he stated.
Mowlid Abdiqadir Bedel, the Director of the National Disability Agency, highlighted the importance of mainstreaming disability issues into the national plan, which could significantly improve the lives of persons with special needs. “In recent months, we have been working to ensure that disability matters are integrated across various sectors such as social affairs, health, education, justice, and the economy,” he explained.
Abdullahi Muuse, the representative of persons with disabilities in the Banadir region, welcomed the efforts to include the Somali disability community in the national development plan. “It is essential that a study be conducted to enable our participation in the national plan,” he said, urging the government to prioritize the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the upcoming 5-year plan.
Several participants with disabilities at the meeting hailed the potential inclusion of disability issues in the national development plan as a historic achievement, marking significant progress after years of advocacy and struggle.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Somalia, the National Disability Agency remains committed to ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed in the country’s development agenda.
