4.4 Million Somalis at Risk of Famine Amid Drought, Conflict
The Somali government and UN agencies have issued a stark warning that 4.4 million people could face famine by April 2025 due to worsening drought conditions, ongoing conflict, and rising food prices, Anadolu Agency reported. Mohamuud Moallim, Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), emphasized the urgent need for action to protect vulnerable communities.
The combined effects of drought and conflict, along with a significant decline in humanitarian funding, are exacerbating the crisis. Currently, 3.4 million Somalis are experiencing crisis-level hunger, with predictions that the number could rise to 4.4 million—approximately 23% of the population—by mid-2025.
The Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Somalia requires $1.42 billion for 2025, but only 12.4% of this amount has been funded. The agencies are calling for immediate and coordinated efforts to scale up food assistance, nutrition support, and livelihood initiatives to mitigate the impending humanitarian disaster.
