Somalia “sliding close to catastrophe” says Oxfam as 6 million people experience hunger

Oxfam’s Somalia Humanitarian lead, Sameer Kariya, said:

“Somalia is once again sliding dangerously close to catastrophe. More than 6 million people – nearly one in every three - are struggling to find food.

“Three poor rainy seasons have pushed communities in the country to the brink of famine, particularly in Burhakaba district of Bay region where worsening acute malnutrition and the projected failure of the Gu rains (April-June rainy season) threaten to deepen the crisis.

“Water sources have dried up while crops and livestock continue to be wiped out and families forced to abandon their homes in search of water and pasture. For communities and particularly women, it’s no longer about rebuilding but surviving to find at least one meal a day to keep their children alive.

“The conflict in the Strait of Hormuz is further driving up the cost of living with food prices rising by 30% and fuel cost increasing by 50% putting basic necessities out of reach for millions of people. Disruption to supply routes is also making it significantly harder and more expensive to deliver lifesaving aid to those most in need. With no foreseeable ending of the blockage, Oxfam fears prices of the basic commodities will continue to increase further.

“Somalia has also suffered heavy funding cuts which continue to undermine its response and is forcing aid agencies to make the impossible choices as to who gets support and who doesn’t.

“The world must not wait for famine to be declared before acting — by then, countless lives will have been lost. Urgent support must be delivered immediately.”

The 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan estimates that 4.8 million people require humanitarian assistance, with 2.4 million targeted under the response. Funding levels remain critically low, limiting response capacity at a time of increasing needs.