Somalia launches humanitarian needs and response plan 2026 to address drought, conflict and climate impacts

The second deputy prime minister of the federal government of Somalia, Jibril Abdirashid Haji, has officially launched the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) 2026, a national framework designed to guide the country’s response to ongoing and emerging humanitarian crises.

The plan was jointly developed by the federal government of Somalia, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and humanitarian partners operating across the country. It aims to strengthen coordination, improve effectiveness, and ensure timely assistance reaches the most vulnerable communities affected by recurring droughts, conflict, displacement, and the growing impacts of climate change.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Jibril emphasized that HNRP 2026 reflects strong government leadership in managing humanitarian responses during periods of severe hardship. He noted that the plan provides a unified national approach to addressing humanitarian challenges, particularly during times of prolonged drought, insecurity, mass displacement, and climate-related shocks.

He further stated that the federal government has fully endorsed the plan and assigned the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) the responsibility of leading and coordinating all humanitarian activities nationwide. According to the deputy prime minister, this approach is intended to ensure that aid delivery is transparent, accountable, efficient, and equitable, reaching those most in need without duplication or gaps.

Jibril also called on international partners, including United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations, and donor countries, to strengthen their collaboration with the Somali government. He urged them to provide timely and sustained support to ensure the successful implementation of HNRP 2026 and to help address urgent humanitarian needs while building long-term resilience and climate adaptation capacity.

The Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2026 outlines priority interventions across food security, health, nutrition, water and sanitation, protection, and displacement response. It also emphasizes the importance of linking emergency assistance with development efforts to reduce vulnerability and improve community resilience.

Somalia continues to face complex humanitarian challenges driven by climate variability, insecurity, and economic pressures. Government officials say the launch of HNRP 2026 marks a critical step toward a more coordinated, nationally led response that balances immediate life-saving assistance with sustainable solutions for long-term stability.