Somalia’s UN Ambassador Warns Security Council of Deadly Link Between Conflict and Hunger
Somalia’s UN Ambassador Abybakar Dahir Osman told the Security Council that global hunger and conflict are increasingly interconnected, urging accountability for those who weaponize starvation.
Somalia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman (Abukar Baalle), has underscored the urgent need to address the strong connection between conflict and hunger.
Speaking on Monday during an open UN Security Council session on conflict-induced food insecurity, the Ambassador emphasized that wars continue to fuel hunger across many nations, while widespread hunger in turn weakens countries and exposes them to instability.
Ambassador Baalle highlighted UN Security Council Resolution 2417, which warns against the use of starvation as a weapon of war, an act he described as a grave threat to peace and human dignity. He noted that the 2025 Global Report on Food Crises demonstrates a rising number of people suffering from acute hunger, calling for expanded international cooperation to confront the crisis.
The Ambassador also drew attention to progress across Africa, citing the African Union’s Kampala Declaration, which focuses on strengthening agricultural systems and promoting economic resilience. He stressed that these initiatives are aligned with Africa’s priorities to empower communities, boost local economies, and build the capacity of nations to withstand future shocks.
He noted that communities thrive when they gain greater control over their resources, adding that women play a central role in food production and family care. Their voices, he said, must guide policy decisions.
“It is essential for the Security Council to strengthen the early-warning mechanisms outlined in Resolution 2417 and hold accountable those who weaponize hunger,” Ambassador Baalle told the Council.
The Somali envoy called for integrated cooperation that combines humanitarian assistance, development programs, and peacebuilding efforts. He urged the international community to provide sustained and meaningful investment to support national food-security plans, arguing that boosting local food production, fair-market systems, and rural infrastructure will generate long-term benefits.
Ambassador Baalle reiterated that food must never be used to harm civilians or divide societies, stressing that fighting hunger is key to securing peace and stability.
He concluded by affirming Somalia’s commitment to working closely with international partners to build systems that offer people food, opportunity, and hope.
