MOGADISHU — Somalia’s humanitarian crisis has escalated to a critical level, with the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) confirming that the country has reached the fourth stage of drought severity.
In a national media address, Commissioner Mohamud Ma’allin Abdulle delivered a stark evaluation of the climate emergency, revealing that approximately five million people are now experiencing critical food shortages.
Donor Withdrawal Sparks Alarm
The Commissioner highlighted a troubling shift in the aid landscape, noting that several donor countries that historically backed Somalia’s relief programs have suspended humanitarian operations. This withdrawal of external support has created a resource gap at a moment when assistance is most urgently needed.
“With no foreign assistance forthcoming, the burden of protecting vulnerable communities and livestock falls completely on domestic efforts,” Commissioner Ma’allin stated.
He issued an urgent call for national self-reliance, urging federal authorities and Somali citizens to pool resources to prevent a catastrophe.
Regions Hardest Hit
SoDMA’s data indicates that successive failed rainy seasons have triggered extensive water shortages and agricultural losses nationwide. The crisis affects all regions, but the most severe conditions are reported in:
Imminent Famine Risk
The classification of the drought at “Stage 4” signals extreme peril and imminent famine conditions. The Commissioner cautioned that without rapid intervention, the likelihood of widespread mortality among displaced and rural communities will increase dramatically.
The agency is now demanding a cohesive national strategy to compensate for the reduction in foreign aid, focusing on the immediate delivery of water and feed supplies to the areas facing the greatest threat.
