Somalia’s Deputy PM Advocates for Synergy in Climate Resilience and Security Initiatives

Mogadishu (AX) — During the recent Conference on Security and Climate Change in the Somali capital, Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama emphasized the pivotal connection between climate issues and national security. The discussions centered on how environmental alterations, such as droughts and torrential floods, aggravate displacement and fuel conflicts particularly in Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa.

In his address, Deputy PM Jama highlighted the profound consequences of extreme climatic events on local populations. These upheavals have intensified the scarcity of resources, leading to rising tensions and insecurity. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enacting sustainable policies aimed at curbing the intertwined threats of ecological change and violence.

“Collaboration is the cornerstone of progress,” Jama asserted, calling for a robust partnership between local and global stakeholders. He stressed that joint endeavors are essential for crafting lasting solutions to these pressing challenges. The Deputy PM acknowledged the invaluable contributions from international entities like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in fostering initiatives that weave together climate resilience and security into cohesive policy frameworks.

Historically, Somalia ranks among the nations most susceptible to climate crises, grappling with recurrent episodes of drought, famine, and floods. Research by Weathering Risk reveals dire predictions: temperatures in Somalia may soar by 1.4 to 1.9 °C by 2030 when compared to pre-industrial benchmarks. The frequency of excessively hot days—those reaching a sweltering 35 °C and above—is also projected to rise, particularly affecting central regions of the nation.

Moreover, projections indicate that per capita water availability may decrease by half by the year 2080. This stark reality underscores the pressing requirement for comprehensive strategies aimed at mitigating both climate-related challenges and the looming shadow of conflict.