Humanitarian partners seek US$852 million to assist 2.4 million people in 2026

Press Statement

Humanitarian partners seek US$852 million to assist 2.4 million people in 2026

Mogadishu, 26 January 2026 –Today, the Federal Government of Somalia, the United Nations and humanitarian partners launched the 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP), which seeks US$852 million to assist 2.4 million people who need lifesaving humanitarian and protection assistance in Somalia.

“The humanitarian community in Somalia stands at a critical crossroads as unprecedented funding reductions have significantly constrained the collective capacity to deliver essential and life-saving assistance,” said George Conway, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia. “In parts of the country, humanitarian presence has diminished at a time when needs remain high, increasing the risk of loss of lives.”

Somalia faces an intensifying humanitarian crisis driven by prolonged drought, conflict, and recurrent disease outbreaks. In 2026, 4.8 million people are estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance —a reduction of 20 per cent compared to 2025 that reflects stricter needs definition rather than improved conditions. Going forward, the root causes of the crisis need to be addressed through strengthened humanitarian–development–peace nexus approaches, aligned with national priorities and implemented in close collaboration with all partners.

“This plan is launched at a critical moment, as Somalia faces a severe and escalating drought following consecutive failed rainy seasons,” said Mohamud Moallim, Commissioner, Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA). “Water sources are depleted, rangelands are degraded, livelihoods have been eroded, and millions of people are being pushed into acute food insecurity and displacement. Combined with ongoing conflict and recurrent climate shocks, the scale of this crisis demands an immediate, coordinated, and life-saving response.”

The 2026 HNRP prioritises life‑saving assistance through principled, inclusive and accountable humanitarian action. Given limited resources, humanitarian partners will prioritise 1.6 million people living in the most severe conditions across 21 high-risk districts. The main objective is to save lives and alleviate suffering. This includes providing essential services, protection, and cross-cutting support to help families meet urgent needs quickly and efficiently.

For further information, please contact: SoDMA, Mustafa Mohamed Ali, Director of Policy and Planning Department, policy.planning@sodma.gov.so/, +252 615130322. UNOCHA, Ogoso Erich Opolot, Head of Communications, ogoso@un.org +254 720 766 587.