The European Union has announced a new €63 million humanitarian aid package to support the most vulnerable communities in Somalia. This comes in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis gripping the country, exacerbated by a complex mix of internal conflicts, mass displacement, severe droughts, and soaring prices for basic food items.
Background to the humanitarian crisis in Somalia
Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa, has suffered from chronic instability for decades as a result of civil war, clan conflicts, and the activity of armed groups such as Al-Shabaab. These factors have led to the collapse of infrastructure and government institutions, leaving the population highly vulnerable to shocks. Furthermore, Somalia is among the countries most affected by climate change, experiencing frequent and devastating droughts and floods that destroy crops and livestock, the primary source of livelihood for millions. These overlapping crises have displaced more than 3.8 million people within the country, with millions more dependent on humanitarian aid for survival.
Details of the support package and its objectives
The European Union explained in a statement that the new funding aims to meet the urgent needs of the population affected by the escalating food insecurity and malnutrition crisis. It is estimated that approximately 6.5 million people, equivalent to one-third of Somalia's population, are at risk of severe hunger. The situation is even more critical among children, with an estimated 1.85 million children under the age of five at risk of acute malnutrition.
Support will be directed towards providing life-saving services, including:
- Emergency healthcare and nutrition: Providing treatment for cases of acute malnutrition and supporting health centers.
- Emergency cash assistance: enabling families to purchase their basic needs of food and water.
- Water and sanitation: Improving access to clean drinking water and sanitation services to reduce the spread of disease.
- Protection and Education: Providing psychosocial support to vulnerable groups, and ensuring the continuity of education for children in emergencies.
This aid will be delivered through EU humanitarian partners working in the field, such as UN agencies and NGOs, to ensure it reaches those in need as quickly, effectively and comprehensively as possible.
Importance and expected impact
This aid is of paramount importance on several levels. Locally, it represents a lifeline for millions of Somalis facing starvation and helps alleviate their immediate suffering. Regionally, stability in Somalia is essential for the security of the entire Horn of Africa, as a worsening crisis could trigger new waves of displacement towards neighboring countries and exacerbate tensions. Internationally, this support underscores the European Union’s commitment to its role as a key humanitarian actor on the global stage and strengthens coordinated international efforts to respond to complex crises. This announcement coincides with the EU’s participation in the Global Leadership Roundtable to enhance coordination of the response to the food crisis in Somalia, reflecting a comprehensive approach to addressing the crisis.
