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2024 MIGRATION TRENDS
Between January and December 2024, a total of 283,132 movements were observed across seven Flow Monitoring Points (FMPs) in Somalia, an increase of +13 per cent movements compared to 2023. In 2024, out of the total observed movements, 75 per cent were outgoing flows and 25 per cent incoming flows (71% and 29% respectively in 2023).
Forced movements were the primary cause for movement in 2024 (53%). Natural disasters caused most (40%) movements, followed by food insecurity and hunger (7%). The overall increase in movements (+13% compared to 2023) can be attributed to the impact of El Niño caused devastating floods in the final quarter of 2023. For example flooding caused by heavy rains destroyed key transportation points connecting Somalia alongside 15 key airstrips. The impact of El Niño led to continued displacement within, and migration out of, Somalia in the early months of 2024. The residual impact of El Niño was compounded in late 2024 by La Niña, with the severe drought conditions expected to worsen into 2025. While conflict-related displacement accounted for only 6 per cent of movements in 2024, this marked a slight increase from 2023 (4%).
As in 2023, the main voluntary reason for movements in 2024 was economic (15% in 2023, 27% in 2024). This has been a trend observed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, likely attributed to its residual impact on the global cost of living. Seasonal migration (9%) followed as another key driver of voluntary migration.