UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric announced the launch of the 2026 Humanitarian Response Plan for Somalia, with a total budget of $852 million. This amount is 40% lower than what was requested last year and aims to assist 2.4 million people.
Dujarric explained that the reduction in funding is not due to a decrease in humanitarian needs but rather results from a shortage of resources and funding.
He added that many critical services will be scaled down, as less than half of the people in need will receive assistance.
The spokesperson warned that without a rapid increase in aid, prolonged drought, food insecurity, displacement, disease, and reduced humanitarian support will worsen malnutrition, water scarcity, and health risks.
He noted that last year, the United Nations requested $1.4 billion but received only $397 million (27%), forcing aid agencies to reduce or suspend life-saving assistance.
Meanwhile, this announcement comes a month after Israel declared that it recognizes Somaliland as an independent state. Somaliland declared independence in 1991 but has never received international recognition.
