Somalia finds itself at the forefront of the climate crisis, ranking among the nations most vulnerable to its impacts. According to the United Nations, this Horn of Africa nation has faced an unprecedented dual challenge: the worst drought in four decades and catastrophic flooding that has occurred just once every hundred years. The tales of those affected are not just statistics; they are heartfelt stories weaving through the fabric of a population struggling to endure.
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One such narrative belongs to Mohamed Abdukadir Teesto, a 43-year-old resident of Mogadishu, whose life has been drastically altered by relentless rains. Recently, his home was severely damaged, leaving him to ponder a future overshadowed by uncertainty. While his spirit remains resilient, the absence of support—both local and international—has plagued him with anxiety. “We have cleaned our house using our bare hands,” he lamented, a poignant reminder of the harsh reality many face. He pointed out the glaring lack of assistance, saying, “Neither international agencies nor the government have offered any help.”
Imagine for a moment the heartache of families who have lost their homes, uprooted from their lives, unable to return even as the rains continue to pour. Teesto shared that around 24,000 individuals in the Banadir region, where Mogadishu is located, have been adversely affected by flooding this month, resulting in at least 17 fatalities. Their pain reverberates through the landscape, a cry for immediate action.
The humanitarian scene in Somalia was already tenuous, existing on a threadbare budget even before the recent decision to halt aid programs by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) made under President Donald Trump. The United Nations has projected that, for this year, humanitarian needs will reach a staggering $1.4 billion, yet only a meager 12 percent of that funding has been secured so far. The gravity of this situation cannot be overstated.
“This can get very, very bad, very quickly,” cautioned Sara Cuevas Gallardo, spokesperson for the World Food Programme (WFP). She alluded to an alarming scenario—that Somalia might revert to the conditions it experienced between 2020 and 2023, when it was teetering on the brink of famine. The haunting reality, as Cuevas Gallardo pointed out, is that “we don’t have the funds to actually act when we have to.”
At the heart of this crisis lies the plight of the most vulnerable: the children. This month, CARE International reported a staggering 1.8 million children under the age of five suffering from severe malnutrition in Somalia, with around 479,000 at imminent risk of death without urgent intervention. These numbers tell a story of innocence caught in the crossfire of a climate and humanitarian emergency.
The symbiotic relationship between climate change and conflict is ever-present. The International Crisis Group (ICG) has repeatedly emphasized this link, warning that recent attacks by the Al-Qaeda-linked group Al-Shabaab heighten the risks of displacement and create additional vulnerabilities. The specter of conflict looms over the region, and as Cuevas Gallardo stated, “Globally, the main driver of hunger is conflict.” Now, when blended with the unpredictable nature of climate disruptions, the potential for disaster escalates profoundly, leading to increased food insecurity, displacement, and a humanitarian system grappling to respond effectively.
Worryingly, Save the Children recently announced that despite the pressing demands, funding shortfalls will force them to close over a quarter of their health and nutrition facilities in Somalia in the near future. This alarming statistic includes every single facility in the central city of Baidoa. The story of Fatima, a 25-year-old mother who fled her village due to drought-induced devastation, captures the essence of this crisis. “If we were not able to get medicines and nutrition support here, we would have no other option but to see our children dying in front of us,” she poignantly recounted.
As the situation unfolds, the looming threat of malnutrition remains a stark concern. This year, experts expect an 11 percent uptick in malnourishment, pushing remaining facilities “to their breaking point.” At a clinic in Baidoa, Dr. Mustafa Mohammed reported an alarming rise in patients seeking help. “There is nowhere else for these children to go,” he said, echoing the desperation that fills the air. Indeed, the substantiated concerns of these healthcare professionals illustrate the dire state of affairs.
Somalia stands at a critical juncture, challenged by the dual perils of climate change and humanitarian strife. Yet, amidst the chaos, there lies an unyielding spirit of hope and resilience. The stories of individuals like Mohamed Abdukadir Teesto and Fatima highlight the urgent need for a coordinated response from the international community. Can we turn the tide of despair into a future filled with potential? Only time—and action—will tell.
As we contemplate the road ahead, let us remember that each statistic represents a life, a family, and a community yearning for stability and compassion. The plight of Somalia should resonate with all of us, reminding us to stay informed, stay engaged, and advocate for the urgent support that these vulnerable populations so desperately need.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
