The executive director of the Somaliland Red Crescent Society (SRCS), Ahmed Abdi Bakaal, announced that the organization continued to deliver large-scale humanitarian and healthcare services across Somaliland despite the global economic downturn, reaching more than 1.1 million people in 2025 through direct and indirect support programs.
Speaking during celebrations marking World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, CEO Bakaal said the organization remains one of the largest humanitarian employers and service providers across Somaliland’s regions.
According to the organization’s annual report, SRCS supported approximately 1.2 million people in 2024 through direct and indirect support programs. Although economic challenges slightly reduced operations last year, the organization still managed to assist 1.1 million people in 2025, with 78 percent of its work focused on healthcare services. He noted that the organization also provides a wide range of other humanitarian and community services.
The director praised the organization’s nationwide workforce and volunteers, highlighting that 359 SRCS staff members are currently in service countrywide, the bulk being the Marodi-Jeh region, while a total of 9,587 volunteers are actively working across Somaliland.
“As celebrations take place across every region of Somaliland, I take this opportunity to congratulate all staff and volunteers on World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day,” Mr. Bakaal said, extending greetings to personnel serving throughout the country.
He also emphasized the organization’s global humanitarian connections, noting that the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement operates in 192 countries and collaborates with around ten international partner organizations supporting activities in Somaliland.
He included in his speech a message from the President of the Red Crescent, who sent congratulations and appreciation to staff and volunteers for their continued dedication.
The executive stressed that 2026 will require even greater effort than previous years, calling on employees and volunteers to expand humanitarian work amid increasing needs.
Highlighting this year’s theme, “United with Humanity,” SRCS Chairman reaffirmed their commitment to the core humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence, and voluntary service.
“We are united in serving every person in need without discrimination,” Mr. Bakaal said, and added, “The Red Cross and Red Crescent societies are the right hand of communities, working alongside governments to serve the people.”
Meanwhile, at a ceremony organized by the Chairman of the Red Crescent in the Marodi-Jeh region, Guleid Abdi Nuh, and attended by Red Crescent staff and volunteers from Hargeisa and the headquarters, who played a prominent role in the event, Chairman Guleid presented a review of last year’s achievements as well as the operational plans for 2026 in the Marodi Jeh region. He urged the staff during the meeting to increase their efforts and continue expanding humanitarian work.
