Somalia: 4.4 million people at risk of acute hunger amid national emergency declaration

Place: Somalia

Date: November 18, 2025

(Last update 11/19/2025 10:00:34 AM ) Prepared

Event description

Somalia is witnessing a rapidly worsening humanitarian crisis, with UN agencies warning that 4.4 million people face acute hunger by the end of 2025, including 1.85 million children at risk of severe malnutrition. The Federal Government has declared a national emergency after the fourth consecutive failed rainy season, triggering widespread displacement and loss of livelihoods. OCHA reports that the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan is funded at only 21.7%, leaving current relief efforts insufficient to meet the escalating needs.

Humanitarian conditions

UN agencies estimate that 4.4 million people are at risk of acute hunger by late 2025, including 1.85 million children at risk of severe malnutrition. Over 6 million people require urgent humanitarian assistance, especially in food, water and sanitation services. Ongoing drought-driven displacement has left thousands living in camps with minimal access to basic services.

Security situation

Humanitarian operations face major challenges due to damaged roads, insecurity in rural areas, and checkpoints that restrict movement. Aid convoys experience frequent delays caused by logistical constraints and limited connectivity, reducing the ability of relief actors to rapidly reach affected communities.

Organizations' response

Humanitarian actors are delivering food assistance, water supplies, and health support, alongside therapeutic feeding for malnourished children. However, current efforts remain insufficient, as the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan is funded at only 21.7%, significantly restricting the scale of emergency interventions.