UN warns of worsening drought in Somalia; appeals for $852 million to aid 2.4 million people

The UN spokesperson reported that severe drought conditions in Somalia continue to drive large-scale displacement and compound humanitarian needs. According to the briefing, authorities and humanitarian partners report that millions have been affected and that families are on the move seeking water, pasture and food.

The spokesperson cited partner figures that more than 4,600,000 men, women and children have been impacted by the drought and said nearly half a million people (transcript phrasing was unclear) have abandoned their homes since September 2025. He said education has been disrupted, with about 150 schools in the northern region closing or seeing attendance declines and that more than 45,000 young people have dropped out of school.

The UN and its humanitarian partners said they need $852,000,000 to support 2,400,000 people during the year, and that current prepositioned stocks and funding are constrained. The spokesperson warned that rains are not expected until April at the earliest and that widespread crop failure could compromise the summer harvest.

The briefing said the UN and partners are providing food, cash, water, health, shelter and nutrition assistance but remain severely constrained by funding shortfalls. No new donor pledges were announced during the briefing.