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Somalia issues urgent appeal for life-saving support

A man carries a sack through floodwater in Beledweyne, central Somalia. (Photo: Hassan Ali Elmi/AFP/Getty Images)

By Hassan Mohamed | Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Humanitarian partners jointly with the Somalia government today issued an urgent humanitarian appeal to assist 5.2 million people.

Humanitarian partners jointly with the Somalia government today issued an urgent humanitarian appeal for Usd1.6 billion to assist 5.2 million people out of 6.9 million in dire need of vital lifesaving support in Somalia.

The appeal was made by the United Nations agencies, humanitarian partners, and the government in Mogadishu, when they released the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP), a comprehensive report on the grim humanitarian situation in Somalia.

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They said the country is now grappling with effects from last year’s climatic shocks including a devasting drought, unprecedented conflict, and insecurity and widespread heavy rains and flooding, and new displacement.

As a result, millions continue to suffer from hunger and malnutrition with 4.3 million people – almost one-fourth of the population – are acutely food insecure and that two in five children under the age of 5 suffer from acute malnutrition.

As if that is not enough, an estimated 3.8 million people are internally displaced, and a cholera outbreak is spreading fast in several districts.

“In addition to climatic shocks, conflict, and insecurity, widespread poverty and disease outbreaks will continue to drive humanitarian needs this year,” said Mr. George Conway, UN Deputy Envoy and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia.

“I am very appreciative of the Government and humanitarian partners work to support people in need in Somalia. Humanitarian partners reached up to 3.8 million people cumulatively in 2023 and are committed to building on these achievements,” added Mr. Conway.

Mohamed Moalim, Commissioner, Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SODMA), said the government is concerned by the magnitude of challenges the most vulnerable people in the society continue to face. He appealed for urgent aid to help avert more suffering.

“More than 80 per cent of the displaced are women and children and face serious protection risks. The Somali 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,” Commissioner Moalim said.

The country is also dealing with increased insecurity largely caused by unceasing violence by Al-Shabaab terrorists fighting to topple the recognised government. The violence worsens conditions for the suffering of the people.