Millions in Somalia at risk of severe hunger from drought, says UN
France 24
by FRANCE24February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The United Nations has issued a dire warning that millions of people in Somalia are at risk of severe hunger due to an ongoing drought exacerbated by climate change and political instability. The situation is particularly critical, with over 7 million Somalis, including 3.5 million children, facing acute food insecurity. This comes as two consecutive failed rainy seasons have led to crop failures, livestock deaths, and widespread water scarcity, leaving communities struggling to access basic necessities.
Somalia's脆弱 geography and climate make it highly susceptible to extreme weather events, with the drought conditions further worsened by human activities such as deforestation and overgrazing. The lack of adequate rainfall has not only disrupted agriculture but also increased reliance on humanitarian aid, which is already stretched thin due to ongoing conflicts in the region. These factors have created a perfect storm of food insecurity, pushing millions closer to starvation.
The UN and other international organizations are calling for urgent action to provide life-saving assistance, including food, water, and healthcare support. However, the challenges are immense, with limited funding and access to affected areas due to ongoing conflicts. Without immediate intervention, the situation could spiral further out of control, leading to mass displacement, disease outbreaks, and potential loss of lives.
This crisis highlights the growing threat of climate change on vulnerable regions and underscores the need for global cooperation to address food insecurity and disaster preparedness in developing nations. The situation in Somalia is not only a local humanitarian emergency but also a global call to action, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental, political, and economic factors in shaping human lives.
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/25/2026