Continuing his tradition of solidarity visits to Muslim countries during the Holy Month of Ramadan, United Nations Secretary‑General António Guterres landed in Somalia today. In Mogadishu, he emphasized the urgent need for international engagement to alleviate the country’s dire humanitarian situation and to support state‑building efforts. “I am here to ring the alarm on the need for massive international support because of the humanitarian difficulties the country faces, the build‑up of Somalia’s security capacity, and the stabilisation and development of the country,” Guterres said. He added that, although Somalis contribute virtually nothing to climate change, they are among its greatest victims, with nearly five million people experiencing acute food insecurity and rising prices worsening the crisis. He called on donors and the international community to step up their assistance.
After a joint press conference with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at Villa Somalia, Guterres, accompanied by Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia Adam Abdelmoula, visited a camp for internally displaced people in Baidoa, the largest city in Somalia’s South‑West State. He met two families who had fled their homes after losing all livestock to the ongoing drought—one traveling 105 km on foot and donkey cart, the other covering 70 km. “It is time for the international community to mobilise much more support for the Somalis—to guarantee security, fight terrorism, resolve the humanitarian drama we see in camps, and create conditions for resilience and development,” Guterres said. He urged generosity during Ramadan, noting that it is crucial to rescue people living in such dramatic circumstances.
Nearly half of Somalia’s 16.5 million population—about 8.25 million people—now need lifesaving humanitarian and protection assistance due to climate shocks, five consecutive poor rainy seasons, and protracted conflict, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Of these, 3.8 million are internally displaced and almost five million face acute food insecurity. Around 1.8 million children are severely malnourished, eight million lack adequate water, sanitation and hygiene, and two‑thirds of those in drought‑affected areas have no access to essential healthcare. The 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan, which requires $2.6 billion to assist 7.6 million people, is funded at only about 15 percent. At the Mogadishu press encounter, Guterres called for the urgent funding of the plan, stating that the Somali people deserve international solidarity to prevent malnutrition, displacement, loss of life, and famine.
Before the press conference, the Secretary‑General met with President Mohamud, cabinet members, and advisors, as well as Deputy Special Representative Anita Kiki Gbeho, to discuss broader state‑building goals. “We discussed the government’s valuable efforts to tackle terrorism and advance peace and security, and we underscored the importance of stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and Federal Member States,” Guterres said. He affirmed that federal and member‑state authorities can count on UN support for advanced state‑building and welcomed a recent power‑sharing agreement. Guterres also urged the international community to extend support beyond humanitarian aid, helping Somalia launch a new stabilisation and development process and enhance its capacity to combat Al Shabaab more efficiently than in the past. Recent security operations, reinforced by local militias, have targeted Al Shabaab in Hirshabelle and Galmudug, with plans to expand to other regions.
On Tuesday, Guterres also met representatives of Somali civil‑society organisations working on women’s affairs, climate change, disability rights, youth, and marginalized groups to learn about their work and explore how the UN can assist. That evening, he joined members of the Federal Government and international partners for an iftar, the meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan. Guterres began these Ramadan solidarity visits while serving as UN High Commissioner for Refugees, before assuming the UN’s top post in 2017. He has said that fasting alongside Muslims has shown him “the true face of Islam.” At today’s press conference, he noted that Somalia embodies Ramadan’s “timeless message of renewal and hope.” “In these challenging times, I commend your energy and resilience and reiterate the United Nations’ unwavering support,” he said. “We stand in solidarity with the Somali people and the Somali Government—for peace, for security, and for sustainable development.”
Comments are closed for this story.