Humanitarian Needs in Somalia Decline Slightly for 2025

MOGADISHU – Somalia’s humanitarian landscape has witnessed slight improvements in 2024, Kulan Post reports.

However, according to aid agencies the effects of prolonged climate shocks and ongoing conflict remain severe.

The 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP), released in a report on Monday, highlighted key challenges and strategies to address the needs of millions of Somalis.

Between 2020 and 2023, Somalia endured a devastating drought, followed by severe flooding in late 2023.

These climate shocks displaced hundreds of thousands and weakened resilience.

Recurrent shocks, including climatic events such as droughts, floods, conflict, insecurity, and disease outbreaks continued to exacerbate humanitarian needs in 2024.

Although the number of people in need decreased slightly by 17 percent, from 8.3 million in 2023 to 6.9 million, the humanitarian crisis remained alarming and well above the five-year average.

For the first time in years, conflict overtook climate shocks as the primary driver of displacement.

In 2024, conflict accounted for 53% of new displacements, with inter-clan violence in Mudug and Gedo regions escalating.

According to the HNRP, 5.98 million people will need humanitarian assistance in 2025, a 13% reduction from 2024.

Nutritious food carefully being given to children in Somalia. Photo/ UK Muslim Aid

The response plan targets 4.6 million people with lifesaving and life-sustaining aid, focusing on those with the most severe needs.

The proposed strategy emphasizes decentralizing coordination and ensuring no one is left behind.

Drought and Conflict Pose Ongoing Risks

Key risks for 2025 include prolonged drought and intensifying conflict, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Drier conditions will heighten competition for resources, strain coping mechanisms, and increase the risk of disease outbreaks.

The changing dynamics of regional forces and political instability could further exacerbate armed conflicts.

Somalia saw 455,000 people newly displaced in 2024, reflecting the combined impact of violence and climate-related shocks.

Funding and Assistance Plans

The HNRP requires $1.42 billion to meet humanitarian needs in 2025. These funds will support essential interventions in food security, nutrition, health, education, and shelter.

Vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and minority communities will be prioritized.

The proposed recovery plan calls for scaling up development and climate financing. This long-term approach aims to address structural drivers of vulnerability, build resilience, and reduce the risk of future disasters.

The action plan for the upcoming year focuses on tackling hunger and malnutrition, while also addressing the effects of disease outbreaks, armed conflict, and climate-related disasters.

The aim is to provide immediate relief to the most vulnerable populations and supporting livelihoods.

The mitigation plan also emphasizes securing access to essential services and emergency support to aid communities in recovering from crises.

Securing stability and access to basic needs is a key element of the contingency plan aimed at rebuilding lives and enhancing resilience.

The plan also emphasizes addressing protection risks. This includes tackling issues of exclusion, displacement, and violence.

Ensuring aid reaches those in need and protecting civilians and their property are critical components of the strategy.

These goals are designed to provide both immediate relief and long-term support, helping Somalia’s communities recover and prepare for future challenges.

Despite slight improvements in 2024, the humanitarian situation in the war stricken country remains fragile.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for Somalia said synchronized efforts involving humanitarian agencies, local governments, and international partners is crucial.

UN OCHA said scaling up support for Somalia’s long-term development and climate adaptation will play a key role in reducing future vulnerabilities.

Somalia’s challenges are immense, but targeted and well-funded interventions offer hope for a more resilient future.