Monday June 15, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — With Somalia edging closer to famine, U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher on Sunday released $10 million from the organization’s emergency fund to bolster relief efforts for millions of people struggling to find enough to eat.
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The United Nations said the money will help provide life-saving food, nutrition, health and water assistance to about 640,000 people.
“The window to prevent famine in Somalia is short,” Fletcher said.
The U.N. said roughly 6 million people across Somalia are now facing severe hunger, including 1.9 million in emergency conditions.
“The situation has deteriorated due to increased food insecurity, widespread malnutrition, and reduced access to basic services,” Fletcher said in a separate statement.
According to the U.N., Bay and Bakool regions in South West State are among the areas where a plausible risk of famine has been identified, especially in agropastoral communities.
More than 500,000 people have been displaced since the beginning of 2026, the U.N. said.
Somalia is grappling with a punishing drought after a string of failed or below-average rainy seasons. Conflict, displacement, disease outbreaks and soaring commodity prices have made the crisis worse.
Humanitarian agencies have warned that dwindling funding is already forcing cuts to essential aid programs just as needs continue to climb nationwide.
