World · Africa · 1 day ago
Somalia faces hunger crisis as drought and conflict displace families
Somalia is facing a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people hungry and many forced from their homes.
Fighting between the government and the al-Shabaab militant group, as well as clashes between local clans, has contributed to displacement.
A severe drought has dried up water sources and reduced or killed livestock, damaging people’s livelihoods.
UNICEF Switzerland director Bettina Junker said displaced families near Mogadishu have little food and access to clean water.
Heavy rain is expected from October to December, but dry, hard ground could cause flooding.
UNICEF says severely malnourished children need urgent treatment, while prevention is also needed to keep more children from becoming malnourished.
The agency expects international humanitarian funding for Somalia to fall by 40 to 60 percent, leaving too little money to meet needs.
Somalia is facing a humanitarian crisis in which millions of people are hungry.
Drought and conflict have damaged livelihoods and forced many people to flee.
Bettina Junker of UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein says displaced people in camps have little food and clean water.
Heavy rains expected from October to December could cause flooding because the ground is hard and dry.
UNICEF estimates that funding for Somalia will fall by 40 to 60 percent.
- Who
- Millions of people in Somalia, including displaced families, are facing hunger.
- What
- Somalia is experiencing a humanitarian crisis driven by hunger, drought and conflict.
- When
- The report was published on 11 October 2026.
- Where
- Somalia, including Mogadishu and nearby areas.
- Why
- Drought and conflict have damaged livelihoods and displaced people; reduced humanitarian funding is worsening the response.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The rains failed in Somalia.
A long dry period followed, and water sources dried up.
Bettina Junker visited Mogadishu and nearby areas.
Heavy rains are expected, raising the risk of flooding.
- UNICEF funding estimate
- A 40 to 60 percent decline for Somalia
- Drought
- Rains failed in late 2025, followed by a long dry period in early 2026
- Expected rainfall
- Heavy rains from October to December 2026
- Conflict
- Fighting involving Al-Shabaab and violent disputes between local clans
- UNICEF visitor
- Bettina Junker, Executive Director of UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein
What people are saying
In this camp there is also nothing. There is hardly any clean water, there is almost no food. Everyone is hungry.
The answer to your question is clearly no.
We must act before the situation gets worse.
Sources
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