The Commisioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Mr. Mahmoud Maalin Abdulle, and the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Mr. George Conway, co-chaired the launch of the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan for Somalia today.
The plan aims to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in the country, which has left millions of people in need of urgent assistance.
The meeting, which was attended by senior officials from international organizations, representatives from regional state governments, and leaders from various Somali non-governmental organizations (NGOs), focused on the urgent humanitarian needs facing Somalia.
According to the plan, 5.98 million people in Somalia are currently in need of immediate assistance, including food, shelter, and medical aid. The crisis is primarily caused by the combined effects of severe drought, ongoing conflict, and displacement.
The response plan outlines that approximately $1.42 billion in funding is required to assist an estimated 4.57 million people who have been directly impacted by the drought and conflict.
The plan emphasizes the need for urgent international support to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation and to provide critical assistance to those in need.
Key areas of focus include providing food assistance, access to clean water, healthcare services, and education for displaced children, as well as ensuring that the most vulnerable populations, such as women, children, the elderly, and the disabled, receive targeted support.
Efforts will also be made to improve access to safe spaces and services for marginalized communities, particularly in conflict-affected regions.
Mr. Mahmoud Maallin Abdulle, Commisioner of SODMA, stated, “The situation in Somalia is dire, and the humanitarian needs are growing. We must act swiftly to mobilize resources and deliver aid to those who are suffering. This plan outlines our collective commitment to providing immediate relief and ensuring the long-term recovery of the country.”
Mr. George Conway, the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, emphasized the need for a coordinated and collaborative response from the international community. “The scale of this crisis requires a unified response.
The UN and its partners are committed to supporting the Somali government and local organizations in delivering life-saving assistance to those in need,” Conway remarked.
The humanitarian response plan also highlights the importance of improving resilience and building the capacity of local institutions to manage future crises. The plan seeks to create sustainable solutions to Somalia’s recurring humanitarian challenges and lay the groundwork for long-term development.
The launch of the plan is a call to action for the international community to step up support for Somalia, as the country continues to face the dual challenges of climate change and protracted conflict. With millions of lives at risk, swift action is critical to alleviate the suffering of the Somali people and help them rebuild their lives.
