Somalia is confronting a deepening humanitarian emergency as the convergence of extreme climate events and significant reductions in international aid threaten the lives and livelihoods of millions.
In recent years, the Horn of Africa nation has endured its most severe drought in four decades, followed by extreme and catastrophic floods, exacerbating the vulnerability of communities already grappling with decades of conflict and political instability.The United Nations reports that approximately 4.4 million Somalis—nearly a quarter of the population—are projected to face crisis-level food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or higher) between April and June 2025, marking a sharp increase from the current 3.4 million experiencing acute hunger.
The situation is further compounded by significant funding shortfalls. The United Nations’ humanitarian appeal for Somalia, totaling $1.42 billion for 2025, is only 12.4% funded to date. The World Food Programme (WFP), responsible for approximately 90% of food security assistance in Somalia, warns that without additional resources, it may be unable to meet the escalating needs.
The recent decision by the United States to pause all humanitarian funding to Somalia through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), including a substantial $125.5 million package, has left many aid-dependent communities in limbo. The move, attributed to concerns over alleged misuse of funds, has resulted in the suspension of critical food and nutrition programs, leaving vulnerable populations without essential support.
The compounded effects of climate shocks and aid reductions are evident in displacement camps like Al-Hidaya on the outskirts of Mogadishu, where families report skipping meals, sending children to beg, and sharing scarce resources.Fadumo Omar, a 40-year-old mother of ten who fled her home due to drought, expressed her despair: “We used to receive food and support from USAID. Now we have nothing. No food, no water, not even toilets.“
Humanitarian organizations are scrambling to fill the gap, turning to private donors and appealing to governments and multilateral institutions for emergency funds. However, aid workers caution that without immediate and substantial support, the situation could deteriorate rapidly, leading to increased malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and mortality.
The Somali government, along with international partners, emphasizes the extreme need for a coordinated response that addresses both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term resilience. Investments in climate-smart agriculture, sustainable water management, and robust health systems are critical to breaking the cycle of crisis-driven dependence on humanitarian aid.
As Somalia stands at a critical juncture, the international community’s response will determine whether the nation can avert a full-scale humanitarian catastrophe and pave the way for a more resilient future.
