COMMON ANALYSIS
Last update: October 2025
The analysis below is based on the following EUAA COI reports: Country Focus 2025, 2.1.3., 2.2.3., 2.3.3.; Security 2025, 2.3., 2.6.1., 2.8.2.; Country Guidance should not be referred to as a source of COI.
Somalia, especially Mogadishu, heavily relies on foreign aid to support IDPs, who are among the most vulnerable. Mogadishu is the city with the largest growth opportunities in Somalia, with high productivity levels. However, economic growth is hampered by increasing costs for land and property, and scarcity of water. The general unemployment rate is still high and employment opportunities generally depend on the existence of support network such as, family or clan affiliations. The majority of the capital’s residents depend for income on casual labour in the city’s markets, restaurants and tea shops, earning low salaries. Another challenge for the city is that Al-Shabaab maintains a presence, and taxes businesses, but also private persons. The existence of a high IDP population has resulted in increased competition for urban livelihoods.
Garowe is experiencing growing humanitarian challenges, due to increasing number of IDPs, driven by drought in surrounding areas and conflict in southern Somalia, as well as due to poverty. The employment landscape in Garowe is characterised by general instability and low employment rates, especially amongst youth and IDPs. The majority of the population relies on casual labour and petty trades, with many international organisations having moved their offices from Garowe to Mogadishu.
Poverty is also widespread in Hargeisa. Unemployment and poverty rates are generally high across the city, especially among young people and IDPs. In Hargeisa, salaries are generally low although the city’s economy is booming, with the majority of business based on small to medium enterprises. Formal and informal trading plays an important role as well as the various markets which are central to the local economy. On the other hand, low unemployment rates disproportionally affect young people and women. Clan affiliation plays an important role in the social and economic life of Hargeisa residents, with IDPs mostly relying on humanitarian aid for survival.
In Mogadishu, property prices and rents are generally high, with the housing situation in urban locations being aggravated due to increased movement from rural areas. Owning of property in Mogadishu is typically associated with individuals from dominant clans whereas low-income inhabitants tend to be mostly tenants. The city’s outer districts record higher levels of insecurity and poverty.
Living costs in Garowe vary depending on income level and life choices. Rent prices are increasing as the city is experiencing a steady growth of IDPs.
The majority of the population in Hargeisa resides in stone houses and shacks, with varying rent prices.
In Mogadishu, food remains affordable when purchased from local markets.
Climate changes and low salaries affect the food access rates in Garowe.
Household food insecurity in Hargeisa is higher than the national prevalence, with people living in IDP camps particularly struggling with accessing food.
In Mogadishu, properties in expensive areas are connected to the pipe system, however the water is not considered sufficiently clean for consumption. Residents in poorer areas are reportedly relying on wells, kiosks and trucks for provision of water. Water shortages and pollution are reported, affecting mostly IDPs, whereas the city’s sewage system often experiences malfunctions due to planning shortcomings.
In Garowe, most houses are connected to the pipe system, with the city’s residents having access to tap water, bottled water and purified water delivered by trucks.
Water affordability is a concern for residents in Hargeisa, where limited access to water and sewage services result in high costs. Provision of piped water is limited, with residents relying mostly on water delivered by truck and hand carts.
The quality of healthcare services is poorly controlled across Somalia, with the provision of specialised or complicated treatments to be either limited or not available at all.
More specifically, the majority of healthcare services and facilities is located in Mogadishu. Officially, public hospitals are free of charge although unofficial fees may apply. The quality of health services provided in private hospitals is reportedly better. When it comes to provision of specialised treatments, however, this is either limited or unavailable.
In Garowe, public and private healthcare services are available. Even though healthcare is not free, the costs are significantly lower in the public sector. The quality of healthcare services is reportedly good although of low capacity. Specialised mental health care is, however, not provided in any of the public or private facilities.
In Hargeisa, both public and private medical health care facilities exist, with costs for services provided in private hospitals being higher. Although mental healthcare is generally underdeveloped in Somaliland, there are some services provided in Hargeisa.
The general circumstances prevailing in Mogadishu, Garowe and Hargeisa assessed in relation to the factors above entail significant hardship. However, they do not preclude the reasonableness to settle in the cities as such. A more careful examination of the applicant’s individual circumstances is required when assessing the reasonableness of IPA to Mogadishu, given the general socio-economic situation, exacerbated also by the security situation, in the city.
The person’s ability to navigate the above circumstances in the three cities will mostly depend on access to clan support and financial means and in individual cases, the reasonableness requirement may be satisfied.