Somalia - Logistics Cluster Sub-national meeting minutes - Dollow, 8 July 2026

Content

1. Overview of Logistics Cluster Function in Somalia.

The meeting was convened to strengthen logistics coordination within Jubaland and to establish a structured sub-national logistics coordination mechanism. Participants acknowledged the increasing need for better coordination due to recurring humanitarian emergencies, anticipated El Niño flooding, access constraints, and logistical challenges affecting humanitarian operations in the region. 

Partners emphasized that a dedicated and structured logistics coordination platform would improve information sharing, response planning, and collective problem-solving during emergencies.

The Logistics Cluster presented its mandate to support humanitarian partners through coordination, information management, common logistics services, and preparedness activities, ensuring timely and effective delivery of humanitarian assistance during emergencies.

Coordination

• The Logistics Cluster coordinates humanitarian logistics activities at both national and sub-national levels to enhance collaboration, information sharing, and joint planning among humanitarian partners. The Cluster actively participates in Inter-Cluster Coordination Group (ICCG) and Access Working Group forums to advocate for logistics priorities, address access constraints, and ensure logistics considerations are integrated into the broader humanitarian response. The Cluster also engages with government authorities and relevant civil-military actors on logistics-related issues to facilitate humanitarian access and improve operational effectiveness.

 Information Management

• The Logistics Cluster collects, analyzes, and disseminates logistics information to support evidence-based decision-making and operational planning. This includes producing operational reports, monitoring physical access constraints, conducting gaps and needs analyses, and undertaking logistics capacity assessments. Through tools such as LogIE and other information-sharing platforms, the Cluster provides partners with timely and reliable information on access conditions, logistics infrastructure, and operational challenges to support effective humanitarian response. 

 Common Logistics Services

• As a provider of last resort, the Logistics Cluster facilitates common logistics services to address critical operational gaps where commercial or partner capacities are insufficient. These services include temporary storage facilities, cargo transport support, cargo consolidation, and emergency logistics interventions. The services are designed to complement existing partner capacities and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian assistance to hard-to-reach and crisis-affected populations. 

 Capacity Strengthening

• The Logistics Cluster supports humanitarian preparedness and resilience by strengthening the logistics capacity of humanitarian partners. This includes conducting logistics preparedness activities, simulation and tabletop exercises, emergency response training, and coordination support. These help improve partner readiness, enhance collective response capabilities, and strengthen supply chain resilience in preparation for emergencies such as floods, droughts, and other humanitarian crises.

2. Logistics Cluster Information Management (IM) induction.

Partners were briefed on the role of the Logistics Cluster Information Management (IM) function in collecting, analyzing, validating, and disseminating logistics information to support evidence-based decision-making, coordination, and humanitarian response operations.

• Data Collection and Analysis:
  The session highlighted how the Logistics Cluster gathers and consolidates information on access constraints, partner logistics activities, storage capacities, transport challenges, operational bottlenecks, and humanitarian supply chains. This information is analyzed to identify logistics gaps, priority needs, and response opportunities.
• Information Products and Reporting:
  Partners were introduced to key IM products, including operational updates, access reports, maps, capacity assessments, and logistics analyses that provide a common operational picture and support planning, preparedness, advocacy, and resource mobilization. 
• LogIE and Information Sharing Platforms:
  The Logistics Cluster demonstrated the use of LogIE platform that provide timely updates on road accessibility, logistics infrastructure, and operational constraints. Partners were encouraged to regularly share field information to improve situational awareness and collective decision-making. 
• Importance of Partner Engagement:
  The Cluster emphasized that timely and accurate information provided by partners is essential for strengthening coordination, reducing duplication, improving operational visibility, supporting preparedness activities, and enabling a more effective and efficient humanitarian response across Somalia.

3. Restructuring of Jubaland Sub-National Logistocs Cluster Coordination forum.

Key Discussion Points

• Partners discussed the need to establish a Jubaland Sub-National Logistics Coordination Forum to strengthen logistics coordination and information sharing among humanitarian actors.
• The forum will provide a platform to discuss common logistics challenges, access constraints, transport and storage needs, and emergency preparedness priorities. 
• Participants emphasized the importance of consolidating logistics needs through a common coordination mechanism rather than submitting individual requests. 
• Partners noted that the forum would improve visibility of operational constraints, strengthen advocacy efforts, and enhance linkages between field-level operations and national coordination structures. 
• The need for a focal point to represent Jubaland in national Logistics Cluster coordination meetings and state-level humanitarian coordination forums was discussed. 

Agreed Way Forward

• Establish the Jubaland Sub-National Logistics Coordination Forum. 
• Conduct a transparent nomination and voting process to select a focal point and alternate focal point for the forum. 
• Logistics Cluster to develop and circulate an online nomination and voting survey to humanitarian partners across Jubaland. 
• ABC coordinators and partners to mobilize wider participation in the focal point selection process. 
• Convene a follow-up meeting to announce election results and formally operationalize the coordination forum. 
• The selected focal point will coordinate regular sub-national logistics meetings and serve as the link between Jubaland partners and the National Logistics Cluster.

4. Discussion on Logistics Constraints and Operational Challenges

• Delayed response to logistics service requests, particularly for emergency transport support, affecting the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance to affected populations. Partners requested faster processing and feedback mechanisms for submitted requests. The Logistics Cluster explained that requests undergo review process based on funding availability, humanitarian priority matrix criteria, cargo criticality, accessibility conditions and operational feasibility
• Funding constraints continue to affect both humanitarian organizations and the Logistics Cluster, limiting operational flexibility, transport capacity, and emergency response capabilities. 
• Access constraints in Dolow remain a major operational challenge. Due to aviation restrictions, only UNHAS and approved humanitarian flights are allowed to operate, limiting commercial cargo and passenger movements and increasing reliance on humanitarian logistics services.
• Closure of Elwak airstrip due to political tensions was highlighted as a significant access constraint, further limiting humanitarian access and transport options within the region. 
• Partners reported challenges related to cross-border cargo movement through Kenya, including customs and documentation requirements, particularly for Gift-in-Kind (GIK) consignments and humanitarian cargo transported through the Mandera corridor. 
• Concerns were raised regarding limited logistics preparedness information, including gaps in partner pipeline data, storage requirements, and pre-positioning plans, which may affect readiness for anticipated El Niño flooding. 
• Partners highlighted the need for updated information on the availability and operational status of boats, storage facilities, and transport assets in flood-prone areas, particularly in Gedo and Jubaland regions. 
• Poor infrastructure, restricted access corridors, and insecurity continue to hamper humanitarian operations and the movement of relief supplies to hard-to-reach communities. 
• Partners also sought clarification on the proposed 30% cost-recovery mechanism for some logistics services, expressing concerns about its potential impact on humanitarian operations and emergency response activities. 

Agreed Way Forward

• Humanitarian partners to regularly share pipeline information, logistics requirements, storage needs, and preparedness plans with the Logistics Cluster. 
• Logistics Cluster to continue advocating for improved humanitarian access, cross-border facilitation, and resolution of customs and documentation challenges. 
• Strengthen preparedness efforts for anticipated El Niño impacts through improved information sharing, asset mapping, and contingency planning. 
• Utilize the proposed Jubaland Sub-National Logistics Coordination Forum to consolidate and elevate common logistics challenges for coordinated action and advocacy. 
• Continue consultations with partners regarding the proposed cost-recovery approach before implementation.

1. AoB

• Partners sought clarification on the proposed 30% cost-recovery mechanism for certain Logistics Cluster services, including its applicability, implementation process, and implications for partners receiving donor-funded logistics support. The Logistics Cluster informed participants that the proposal is still under review and will be discussed further with partners before implementation.
• Participants encouraged the Logistics Cluster to continue advocating for solutions to cross-border cargo movement challenges, particularly documentation requirements affecting humanitarian and Gift-in-Kind (GIK) shipments through Kenya-Somalia corridors.

The next Logistics Cluster Coordination meeting will be held on  23 July 2026.

Contacts