1.4.3. Other impacts on civilian life and humanitarian situation

Somalia remains affected by one of the world’s most complex and persistent humanitarian crises,188 marked by lengthy droughts, conflict and recurrent outbreaks of diseases. According to analysis conducted by the UN in 2025, an estimated 7.5 million people (39 % of the country’s population) were affected by humanitarian crisis across 64 out of 90 districts. The situation was aggravated by severe cuts in humanitarian funding that resulted in a sharp decline in the provision of essential services, particularly in the areas of food security healthcare, and nutrition. More than 200 health and 300 nutrition facilities were forced to close down in 2025.189

In 2025, climate-induced shocks, particularly drought and flooding, were assessed to be the most important drivers of needs for humanitarian assistance. The Gu rainy season (April to June 2025) caused severe flooding that mainly affected low-lying and riverine areas and urban centres like Mogadishu.190 Then, failing Karan rains in northern Somalia (July to September) and Deyr rains countrywide (October to December)191 resulted in one of the driest fourth quarters on record.192 Water prices rose by up to 35 % in regions like Bay and Gedo.193 These droughts led to failed harvests and depletion of pastures. During the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reporting period from August 2025 to January 2026, a combination of drought, conflict and insecurity resulted in a significant worsening of acute food insecurity (AFI) as they disrupted livelihoods and impeded access to markets in southern, central, and some parts of northern Somalia. Analysis by the IPC showed that as of January 2026, 4 796 860 individuals (25 % of the country’s population) were either in AFI IPC Phase 3 (crisis) or 4 (emergency). The highest numbers of individuals affected by IPC Phases 3 or 4 were recorded in Mudug (660 710), Bay (516 880), Lower Shabelle (448 800), Bari (430 750) and Benadir (355 070). Meanwhile, the share of individuals in IPC Phases 3 or 4 out of the overall population of their respective regions was highest in Mudug (43 %), Bay (40 %), Galgaduud (40 %), Nugal (39 %), and Sanaag (35 %). Food insecurity most heavily affected poor farmers, herders with small numbers of vendible animals, and recently displaced IDPs. In January 2026, food security assistance reached only 17 % of the 4.8 million people assessed to be affected by high levels of acute food insecurity (AFI).194

The FGS formally declared a drought emergency in November 2025 and appealed to the international community for urgent humanitarian assistance.195 The FGS further established a technical committee to address the growing drought-related problems nationwide and instructed all relevant public bodies to intensify relief efforts. Somaliland and Puntland authorities similarly appealed to humanitarian donors. Puntland also formed an inter-ministerial committee on drought response. The Jubbaland administration, in cooperation with Saudi and Somali organisations, distributed food aid to displaced families in Gedo.196

Humanitarian access, including to Al-Shabaab-controlled areas,197 faced major challenges linked to ongoing conflict, insecurity, bureaucratic obstacles, and counter-terrorism legislation.198 There were also ongoing concerns of aid intended for the vulnerable being channelled off by militant groups and local power brokers.199 According to a December 2025 map by the same source, humanitarian access faced ‘heavy’ and ‘very heavy restrictions’ across most of South-Central Somalia.200 In 2025, UNOCHA recorded 179 humanitarian access incidents in Somalia, a 26 % overall decrease compared the previous year,201 although access deteriorated in several regions.202

Civilians were frequently killed or injured by IEDs planted in the vicinity of security convoys, clan militias or patrolling AUSSOM units, or in areas with high population density where Al-Shabaab seeks to disrupt government institutions.203 Clan-related conflicts led to the destruction of property and disruption of livelihoods and community support mechanisms.204

According to the UN, numerous IDPs were at risk of forced eviction.205 Most IDPs settled in urban zones of Benadir region, mainly on private ground with no security of tenure.206 NRC data showed that 164 768 individuals had been evicted between April 2025 and March 2026.207