The Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia and Humanitarian Coordinator, George Conway, addressed the Somalia Country Humanitarian Forum (CHF) in Baidoa, issuing a strong warning about the country’s worsening humanitarian situation.

Conway stated that Somalia continues to struggle with drought, food insecurity, and severe malnutrition, particularly in areas such as Baraawe, where he said conditions have reached a critical level requiring urgent humanitarian intervention.

He also warned of the anticipated El Niño conditions, which are expected to bring flooding and heavy rainfall over the next six months, potentially worsening the situation for vulnerable communities and damaging essential infrastructure.

In addition, Conway noted that international humanitarian funding has declined significantly, with only 21% of the humanitarian response plan currently funded. As a result, many facilities providing nutrition and protection services have been forced to close.

In conclusion, he called for stronger collaboration among the government, humanitarian organizations, and civil society to accelerate relief efforts and ensure that life-saving humanitarian assistance reaches the country’s most vulnerable populations.