The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has expressed its commitment to supporting the Somalia peace process.
Dr Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD’s executive secretary, said they acknowledge the efforts by the Somali government and the Somali Future Council on the recent dialogue and encourage continued engagement in good faith to address the outstanding issues.
He highlighted IGAD’s longstanding involvement in Somalia’s peace and state-building initiatives and reaffirmed the regional body’s dedication to advancing peace and stability in the country.
Somalia continues to face insecurity fueled by the Al-Shabaab militia, and persistent intra-clan rivalries, which have caused widespread loss of life and destruction of property.
The ongoing conflict is compounded by severe drought, leaving nearly 6.5 million Somalis facing high levels of hunger.
More than 1.8 million children are at risk of acute malnutrition, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report, with a third of the population expected to face food insecurity by March 2026.
Humanitarian needs remain immense and critical funding shortfalls have forced aid agencies to reduce rations and limit the number of people receiving assistance with food, nutrition, healthcare, water, and sanitation.
Agencies providing support include the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Although the rains expected between April and June may provide some relief, experts warn that the situation will remain critical.
