Somalia’s Drought is a Humanitarian Crisis Hidden in Plain Sight

Somalia’s latest drought is more than just another disaster unfolding in the Horn of Africa. It is a symptom of a larger problem, exacerbated by climate change, conflict, and crippling aid cuts.

The country has been on the frontlines of humanitarian crises for decades, with millions displaced and countless lives lost. The current drought affects nearly 6.5 million people, or a third of Somalia’s population. Food security experts warn that up to half a million children might face severe acute malnutrition, eclipsing even the worst-case scenarios from previous droughts.

One striking aspect of this crisis is the shrinking humanitarian support. Aid funding has plummeted to $531 million in 2025, down from nearly $2.38 billion in 2022. The World Food Programme aimed to assist 2 million people with food aid but has reached only 300,000. The International Committee of the Red Cross warns that without a significant increase in funding, the outlook is “deeply concerning.”

The reasons behind these aid cuts are complex and multifaceted. The Trump administration’s decision to slash support for Somalia was a significant blow, but it’s not the only factor at play. Rising prices caused by the Iran conflict have also strained the country’s economy. A 50-kilogram bag of flour currently costs an exorbitant $40.

Families like Abdi Ahmed Farah’s are struggling to survive. His hundreds of goats have perished due to drought and disease, leaving him with barely enough to feed his family. “I have considered abandoning my family because I cannot provide for them,” he said, his words a testament to the desperation that grips communities across Somalia.

The situation is further complicated by conflict. Decades of displacement have left millions vulnerable to climate shocks like this drought. As humanitarian workers warn, people are forced to flee, and when they do, they die. The number of internally displaced persons has reached 200,000 this year alone.

Somalia’s crisis is not just an emergency; it’s a microcosm of the global struggle against climate change and humanitarian neglect. The aid cuts that have crippled the World Food Programme and other agencies are a stark reminder of the priorities that underpin our foreign policy.

As the drought ravages Somalia, we must ask ourselves: what kind of world do we want to live in? One where the most vulnerable communities are left to fend for themselves or one where we take collective action to address these crises?

The complexities of aid politics and climate change mitigation strategies often obscure the human cost of our inaction. But make no mistake – this is not just a crisis in Somalia; it’s a crisis of global proportions.

As Somalia teeters on the brink, we are reminded that humanitarian crises like these are never truly contained within borders. They seep into our collective conscience, reminding us of the fragility of life and the impermanence of even the most seemingly stable systems.

The drought in Somalia is not just a natural disaster; it’s a human-made catastrophe waiting to happen. We have the capacity to change course – but will we?