Somalia, humanitarian agencies appeal for $1.6 billion to assist 5.2 million Somalis

By Mohamed Dhaysane

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA) - The government and humanitarian agencies said Tuesday they are seeking $1.6 billion to assist 5.2 million people out of 6.9 million who need life-saving humanitarian and protection assistance in Somalia in 2024.

Mogadishu, the UN in Somalia and humanitarian partners said in a joint statement that funding requirements reflect a 37% reduction from the $2.6 billion that was required to meet the needs of 7.6 million people in 2023.

“In addition to climatic shocks, conflict and insecurity, widespread poverty and disease outbreaks will continue to drive humanitarian needs this year,” said George Conway, deputy special representative of the UN chief and resident and humanitarian coordinator for Somalia.

He said aid agencies will work toward collective outcomes that “will help reduce needs, risks and vulnerabilities, increase resilience and ensure that future shocks do not lead to catastrophe” in the Horn of Africa nation.

While the situation has improved since 2023, 4.3 million people, almost one-fourth of the population, remain acutely food insecure and two in five children under the age of 5 suffer from acute malnutrition.

An estimated 3.8 million people are internally displaced and a cholera outbreak is spreading in several districts, according to the statement.

“More than 80 per cent of the displaced are women and children and face serious protection risks,” according to Mohamud Moalim, commissioner of the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SODMA).

He said the government is concerned about the humanitarian situation that is worsened by climate-induced crises.

“We are determined to address the underlying causes of Somalia’s crises, improve livelihoods and build long-term durable solutions,” said Moalim.

The statement said humanitarian partners will implement a more stringently targeted response, with a focus on assisting populations in most severe need.

Somalia was hit by shocks including devastating drought and a once-in-a-century heavy rains and flooding that affected millions of people while millions of others are continuing to suffer from hunger and malnutrition.