eyan Mohamed

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia is preparing for a potentially severe flood season as strengthening El Niño conditions and forecasts of above-normal rainfall raise concerns ahead of the October–December 2026 Deyr rainy season. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has warned that large parts of central and southern Somalia could experience significantly wetter-than-normal conditions. In some areas, the probability of above-normal seasonal rainfall is estimated at as high as 90 percent. The warning does not mean that widespread flooding is certain. Instead, FAO says the unusually strong rainfall signal provides an important window for authorities and humanitarian organizations to prepare before potential impacts occur. The Juba and Shabelle river basins are among the areas of particular concern. Heavy rainfall upstream, including in the Ethiopian highlands, could increase river levels and raise the risk of both riverine and flash flooding in vulnerable communiti...

BAIDOA, Somalia — Somalia is facing another wave of displacement as conflict, drought and worsening humanitarian conditions continue to force families from their homes. The situation has become particularly serious in Baidoa, a major humanitarian hub in southwestern Somalia. Recent clashes in the city and surrounding areas have forced thousands of people to flee in search of safety. According to recent humanitarian assessments, fighting between September 3 and 5 displaced approximately 14,832 people, adding further pressure to an already vulnerable population. Many displaced families are living in temporary shelters with limited access to food, clean water, healthcare and sanitation. Baidoa already hosts large numbers of internally displaced people who have fled previous conflicts and repeated droughts. The displacement crisis is also closely linked to Somalia's worsening climate conditions. Below-average and irregular rainfall during the 2026 Gu rainy season has affected crops, li...

Somalia continues to face serious food security challenges as irregular and below-average rainfall during the 2026 Gu rainy season has affected crops, pasture and livestock across parts of the country. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), inadequate and poorly distributed rainfall has reduced water availability and weakened grazing conditions, putting additional pressure on pastoral communities that depend heavily on livestock for their livelihoods. The impact has also been felt in agricultural areas, where poor rainfall has affected crop production and increased concerns over food availability. Livestock have faced shortages of water and pasture, further threatening household incomes and access to food. At the same time, grain prices remain elevated, adding to the pressure on vulnerable households already struggling with reduced agricultural and livestock production. The situation highlights Somalia's continued vulnerability to climate sh...

Baidoa remains at the center of growing political tensions between Somalia’s federal government and the South West State administration, following months of political and security disputes. The city, located in southwestern Somalia, holds significant political and humanitarian importance. It serves as the administrative capital of South West State and is also a major destination for people displaced by conflict, drought and food insecurity. Tensions between Mogadishu and South West State have added another layer of uncertainty to an already fragile humanitarian situation. Political disagreements between the federal government and regional authorities have affected relations over governance, security arrangements and the country’s broader political process. For residents and displaced families in Baidoa, the political dispute comes as they continue to face serious humanitarian challenges. Many depend on humanitarian assistance for access to food, clean water, healthcare and other basic ...

Somalia is facing growing water shortages as repeated failed rainy seasons continue to put pressure on communities across the country. The prolonged drought has caused many wells and other water sources to dry up, leaving families struggling to secure enough clean water for drinking and daily needs. In some rural areas, the lack of water has forced families to leave their homes in search of safer and more reliable sources. In one documented case, a mother and her seven children left their village after local wells dried up and walked nearly 45 kilometers to reach an area where water was available. The situation highlights how water scarcity is not only affecting access to basic necessities but is also contributing to displacement, particularly among rural communities that depend heavily on wells and livestock. As drought conditions persist, humanitarian organizations and local authorities face increasing pressure to provide emergency water supplies and support communities whose access ...

Somalia continues to face severe drought conditions, placing growing pressure on communities that depend heavily on agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods. The prolonged lack of rainfall has affected access to water, weakened livestock herds and increased food insecurity, particularly among vulnerable rural communities. Families that rely on farming and pastoralism are facing growing difficulties as water sources become scarce and livelihoods deteriorate. The humanitarian response has also been challenged by a significant shortage of funding. Reports earlier this year indicated that Somalia’s 2026 drought response plan had received only a small portion of the financial support required to meet the growing needs of affected communities. Humanitarian organizations warn that continued funding gaps could limit access to essential food, water, healthcare and nutrition services. Without adequate support and improved rainfall, vulnerable communities could face further dis...