Crisis-levels of hunger in Somalia more than double, say UN-backed experts
The number of individuals in Somalia experiencing crisis-levels of food insecurity has nearly doubled over the past year, reaching 6.5 million people, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Initiative (IPC), supported by the…
The number of individuals in Somalia experiencing crisis-levels of food insecurity has nearly doubled over the past year, reaching 6.5 million people, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Initiative (IPC), supported by the United Nations.
The escalation in food insecurity is attributed to ongoing conflict, two consecutive failed rainy seasons, and a decrease in food aid due to international funding reductions. The IPC report indicates that over two million people are now in Phase 4, the "emergency" category, which is one step away from famine.
An estimated 1.84 million children under the age of five are at risk of acute malnutrition in 2026, with 483,000 of these cases considered severe and requiring urgent intervention.
The deterioration in food security is driven by worsening drought, rising food prices, and insecurity across central, southern, and parts of northern Somalia. The situation is further compounded by declining humanitarian assistance.
The escalation in food insecurity is attributed to ongoing conflict, two consecutive failed rainy seasons, and a decrease in food aid due to international funding reductions.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has indicated that it may need to cease humanitarian assistance in Somalia by April if additional funding is not secured. Previously, the number of individuals receiving emergency food assistance was reduced from 2.2 million in early 2025 to just over 600,000.
In January, the United States suspended aid to Somalia following the destruction of a WFP warehouse in Mogadishu. Aid distribution resumed on January 29, but funding shortfalls remain a significant challenge. All UN agencies have reported serious funding gaps since aid reductions began.
The IPC report notes that levels of acute malnutrition in Somalia have increased for two consecutive years. While rainfall from April to June is expected to be near normal in most areas and above-normal in some, this is anticipated to result in only modest improvements in overall food security.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
