UN Says $1.42B Needed for Humanitarian Assistance in Somalia in 2025

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The United Nations has said it will require $1.42 billion to assist close to 6 million vulnerable Somalis in 2025 but noted a decline in the number of those requiring lifesaving assistance.

The UN Humanitarian Agency, OCHA, said the 5.58 million Somalis will require humanitarian assistance in 2025. It noted this was a 13% decline from 2024, when 6.9 million Somalis were in need. This is based on a comprehensive analysis focused on people affected by shocks.

The agency noted that drought and conflict will remain major risks areas in 2025. “Drier
conditions will increase competition over resources, strain copying mechanisms, and heighten risks for disease outbreaks,” OCHA said in a brief.

It added conflict accounted for 53% of a total of 455,000 newly displaced people, while climate shocks accounted for the vast majority of displacements in 2023 and 2022.

In 2025, the changing footprint of regional forces may fuel armed conflict, OCHA said.

According to OCHA, 10 districts remain most vulnerable in the country. Top on the list is Baidoa in South West state, Daynile and Kahda in Mogadishu, Jamaame in Lower Juba, Jowhar in in HirShabelle, Afgoye in South West and Kismayo in Jubaland.

Other districts of concen are Galkaayo which straddles Galmudug and Puntland states, Beletweyne in HirShabelle and Laas Anod in SSC-Khatumo which is contested both by Puntland and Somaliland.