Full Breakdown
Somalia’s Hunger Crisis Deepens Amid Drought, Conflict and Funding Gaps
4/25/2026, 2:12:39 PM
Crisis Overview
Since early 2025, Somalia has entered a severe food-security emergency in the south. Three consecutive rainy seasons have failed, drying rivers, wells and pastures, while armed-group activity, especially al-Shabab, has forced secondary displacement. The combined climate shock and insecurity has left livestock dead, markets empty and prices soaring, pushing millions toward hunger.
Humanitarian Scale
Six-point five million Somalis—about one-third of the population—face severe food insecurity, with two million in IPC Phase 4. One-point-eight million children under five risk acute malnutrition. Displacement estimates range from 62 000 in five districts to 3.8 million nationwide; IOM projects up to 300 000 displaced, with an additional 125 000 expected during the Gu rains. Transport costs for aid have risen up to 50 %, and over 200 health facilities have closed. The UN response plan needs $1.42 billion but has received only $288 million (? 20 %).
Personal Accounts
Barwaqo Aden of Lower Juba saw her herd fall from 200 cattle to four, and her infant daughter was hospitalized for severe malnutrition. In Iftin camp, Hawa Ibrahim Abdirahman cradles a malnourished son after losing camels, cows and goats; she says she has nothing to feed him.
Official Responses
Save the Children’s humanitarian director Francesca Sangiorgi warned that multiple rainy seasons have failed. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said constraints will damage supply chains and raise energy and food costs. IOM chief Manuel Pereira said drought is forcing tens of thousands from homes; Brian Kelly warned displacement could reach 300 000 with only 14 % of funding secured. Médecins Sans Frontières reported a 50 % rise in transport costs and over 200 health sites closed.
Criticism
Islamic Relief called the aid “nowhere near enough” and urged an urgent $10 million. NGOs warn that under-funding the UN appeal limits assistance to the 1.3 million targeted.
Conflicting Data
Displacement figures vary: 62 000 in five districts, 3.8 million nationwide, and IOM’s 300 000 projection. Funding is reported at 13-14 % (UN) and 20 % (UN plan).
Verbatim Quotes
- “The silence is what haunts me most. It’s not the silence of peace, but the heavy stifling quiet of exhaustion. People have used all their energy just to get here, and many arrive weak, exhausted and close to death after walking for days. In the camp, young children and elderly people are staying under the scorching sun with no proper shelter and nothing to drink. Parents are going whole days without eating just so their children can have a few extra mouthfuls of food. Islamic Relief is providing people with food and cash so they can buy what they need in local markets, but it’s nowhere near enough. We urgently need to get more aid to people, before more people die.” — Awil Abukar Mohamed, Senior Communication Coordinator, Islamic Relief Somalia
- “We’re seeing multiple rainy seasons that have failed across the country,” — Francesca Sangiorgi, Humanitarian Director, Save the Children
- “I have nothing to give him. He cannot even eat or drink anymore. Are we not deserving to live the way the rest of humans live? We are so tired of looking for help.” — Hawa Ibrahim Abdirahman, displaced mother, Iftin camp
Outlook
The Gu rains offer a brief chance to curb displacement, but an extra 125 000 may be forced out if they fail. Donors must close the $10 million gap and fund climate-resilient livelihoods.
