← News
Topic · Place

Baidoa

12 articles

See also
📰

Latest Baidoa articles

Somali Cash Consortium - Baseline and Endline Findings MPCA Outcomes from the Camp Coordination and Camp Management Approach: Baidoa, Somalia (May 2026)

Somali Cash Consortium - Baseline and Endline Findings MPCA Outcomes from the Camp Coordination and Camp Management Approach: Baidoa, Somalia (May 2026)

Country: Somalia Source: REACH Initiative Please refer to the attached file. KEY MESSAGES • Household (HH) expenditure increased between baseline and endline, with food and food-related debt repayment accounting for the largest shares of spending. This pattern is consistent with the prevailing context of prolonged drought and severe food insecurity, with Baidoa classified as IPC Phase 4 (Emergency) at the time of data collection. In this context, HHs were likely allocating a greater proportion of their available resources to meeting immediate food needs and repaying food-related debt. Although 83% of assessed HHs reported expenditure above the Minimum Expenditure Basket (MEB), this increase likely reflects HHs' efforts to meet essential food needs amid constrained livelihoods and heightened food insecurity, rather than an improvement in overall economic wellbeing. • Cash assistance likely improved food security and reduced foodrelated coping strategies. Acceptable Food Consumption Score (FCS) increased from 9% at baseline to 79% at endline. While poor FCS declined from 81% to 1%. Moreover, the use of high reduced coping strategies decreased from 57% to 1%, suggesting that the cash assistance contributed to improved food access and reduced reliance on coping strategies. • HHs employing crisis livelihood coping strategies increased from 6% to 36%, suggesting that improvements in immediate food consumption are being achieved at the cost of long-term resilience. This sharp increase suggests that many HHs continue to face substantial pressures in meeting their basic needs and are increasingly resorting to coping mechanisms that can undermine their livelihoods and future resilience.

Oct 7, 2026 · byReliefWeb
UNHCR Somalia Protection and Solutions Monitoring Flash Alert # 24 | Sep 2026: Renewed clashes in Baidoa trigger the displacement of more than 5600 civilians and cause civilian casualties

UNHCR Somalia Protection and Solutions Monitoring Flash Alert # 24 | Sep 2026: Renewed clashes in Baidoa trigger the displacement of more than 5600 civilians and cause civilian casualties

Country: Somalia Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. Background On 28 September 2026, armed clashes were reported in Baidoa following repeated tensions between forces associated with the former Southwest State administration and the Somali National Army over control of the town. Clashes and related security incidents continued through 3 October 2026. Security incidents were reported in Howlwadag, Isha, Afar Irdoodka, Mursal, Luga Baxsi, Bonkay, Towfiq, Xanano 2, Bakin, the Livestock Market, and surrounding areas. The situation disrupted electricity and communication services, limiting civilians’ movement and access to information and essential services. The clashes and reported airstrikes resulted in civilian casualties, damage to residential areas, IDP settlements, farmland, public and institutional buildings, and disrupted access to shelter and essential services. Bay Regional Hospital and Bayhaw Hospital reportedly recorded 11 deaths and 86 injuries, including eight deaths reportedly caused by stray bullets near RP Hotel. Southwest University, RP Hotel, two mosques, and three primary and secondary schools also reportedly sustained significant damage. Damage to community structures and shelters has further reduced access to safe and adequate housing, exacerbating the vulnerability of families already affected by displacement and limited access to essential services. Amid fears of continued fighting, approximately 934 households, comprising an estimated 5,604 individuals, reportedly fled their homes and displacement sites in the Wadajir and Berdale neighbourhoods, while others fled to Diinsoor, Qansaxdhere, Burhakaba, Hudur, and Wajid. Displaced families sought refuge in Berdale, Isha, and Wadajir villages within Baidoa, indicating that the displacement remained within the town. This marked the second major outbreak of violence in Baidoa in less than two weeks. The recurring clashes disrupted livelihoods and essential services, restricted civilian movement, and increased concerns about further insecurity and displacement. Amid the ongoing uncertainty, some households are reportedly considering relocating to other areas in Bay Region, Banadir and Lower Shabelle. PSMN monitoring indicates that the displaced population comprised 2,348 males and 3,256 females. Of the 5,604 displaced individuals, 699 were children, and women and children accounting for approximately 81 percent of those affected. Seven persons with disabilities (two women and five men) were also identified, some of whom required family assistance to reach safer areas. Older persons and other individuals with mobility limitations or other support needs also faced additional challenges during displacement. The displacement disrupted children’s access to education. Of the 699 displaced children, 319 were enrolled in school before the clashes and experienced interruptions to their attendance and learning, while 380 were already out of school. Damage to three schools, coupled with continued insecurity, may further constrain children’s safe access to education. The security situation in Baidoa remains fragile, and further clashes could continue to affect civilian safety, freedom of movement, and access to essential services.

Oct 6, 2026 · byReliefWeb
UNHCR Somalia Protection and Solutions Monitoring Flash Alert # 23 | Sep 2026: Drought and Insecurity Trigger Displacement of More than 2000 Individuals in Jubaland

UNHCR Somalia Protection and Solutions Monitoring Flash Alert # 23 | Sep 2026: Drought and Insecurity Trigger Displacement of More than 2000 Individuals in Jubaland

Country: Somalia Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. Background Between 12 and 20 September 2026, drought and insecurity triggered new displacement across Gedo, Lower Juba and Middle Juba. Consecutive failed rainy seasons have further intensified drought conditions, severely limiting access to food, safe water and agricultural livelihoods. Meanwhile, renewed fighting in Baidoa, Bay Region, has compounded existing humanitarian needs. The combined impact of these shocks has further eroded household coping capacities and heightened exposure to protection risks among both displaced and host communities. In Lower Juba, Drought displaced more than 230 households, comprising approximately 1,380 individuals, who have sought refuge in Guryosamo village, north of Kismayo. While the host community has welcomed the newly displaced families, its capacity to provide support with timely and adequate assistance, increasing competition over scarce resources, particularly water, food and other essential resources could heighten tensions between displaced households and the host community. In Gedo, renewed clashes between the Somali National Army and non-state armed actors in Baidoa in recent weeks have resulted approximately 120 households, comprising an estimated 720 individuals, to Dollow and villages surrounding Luuq, including Yurkud and Bashira. Humanitarian funding cuts have already significantly constrained the delivery of essential services in Dollow and Luuq, limiting the capacity of service providers and host communities to respond to the additional needs of newly displaced families. Combined, the two emergencies have displaced approximately 350 households, comprising 2,100 individuals, including approximately 50% children. The displaced population includes six persons with disabilities—two girls, two boys, one woman and one man—and 28 older persons, including 19 women and 9 men. More than 200 school-age children have also experienced disruption to their education and currently lack access to learning opportunities. The displacement has resulted in significant protection, and assistance needs, with children, persons with disabilities and older persons particularly affected by disruptions to essential services, humanitarian assistance and access to education.

Oct 6, 2026 · byReliefWeb
Somalia: Radio Ergo Weekly Feedback Report, Issued: 02 Oct 2026

Somalia: Radio Ergo Weekly Feedback Report, Issued: 02 Oct 2026

Country: Somalia Source: Radio Ergo Please refer to the attached file. Brief Analysis Among the messages shared on Radio Ergo’s nationwide, independent audience call-in platform this week (22-30 September 2026), callers citing rainfall in their areas came mainly from parts of Hirshabelle and Jubaland states, whilst those complaining of persistent, intense drought or delayed rainfall came mainly from northern and central regions. Several wanted more information on weather updates especially the start of El Nino. Conflict in Baidoa was a major concern for callers, with several saying the airstrikes and fighting had caused deaths and displacements, and that humanitarian conditions had been worsened. Food security reports varied along with the rainfall, with some in Middle Shabelle saying they had good harvests, but others citing rising food prices and mixed fortunes due to the climatic conditions. A number of callers had questions about preventing and treating malnutrition in their children. The following summarises the calls by theme. Food Security – as selected illustrations of the varying conditions across the country, a caller in drought-hit Sanag region complained that prices were rising and it was becoming harder to afford food. He wanted the government to help them. A caller in Haniga in Middle Shabelle, however, said they had rainfall and were getting good harvests of sesame, maize and beans. A caller in Aro-gadud, Bay region, said farmers had planted crops all over their farmland but the growth was sporadic as they were still awaiting the rain. IDPs – a caller in Qurdubey, Gedo region, said he was among IDP families who lost their livestock last year. He said they were destitute and didn’t have access to health care. They were appealing for help. Conflict / Governance – a caller in Somaliland’s Gabiley said he was among the pastoralists concerned about other people fencing off land in the mountainous areas, where they normally took their livestock to graze. Among several callers in Baidoa, a female caller wanted the federal and state governments to stop the airstrikes and the fighting. Another in Baidoa said many had fled and now lacked shelter ahead of the rains. Another said they wanted to flee but had no money to migrate. One Baidoa caller said they had had little rain and were still suffering from drought and conflict, and the deaths and displacements made things worse. Weather/El Nino – Regular radio listeners in Togdher, Somaliland, said they wanted to get more weather updates, as these were followed closely by the pastoralists and farmers. A caller in Guriel, Galgadud, wanted to know when they could expect the El Nino rains to begin. Nutrition – a mother in Guriel said her small daughter was thin and looked malnourished although she fed her food, water and milk. She wanted to know what to do. A caller in Baidoa said their children under five were malnourished and they didn’t know what to do with them. A caller in Bardera, Gedo, asked if the milk of a thin and malnourished mother was still of benefit to the baby. [Radio Ergo runs a weekly Nutrition programme answering listeners’ questions. If you are a Somali-speaking expert and can participate, please contact us at radioergonewsroom@mediasupport.org) Environment – a caller in Hingalol, Sanag region, called three times complaining about the dumping of plastic waste that was harming their livestock. He said they were also facing drought, but consuming plastic was killing more animals than the drought. He called for a ban on plastic bags. Many other callers to the Livestock programme had similar complaints about animals becoming sick or dying after consuming plastic. A caller in Gobweyn, Lower Juba, complained that people were felling trees using heavy machinery. Another in Lower Juba wanted to know the effect of deforestation on the water supply. Rainfall – in Jubaland, several callers in parts of Lower Juba including Kismayo and Far-jano reported rainfall. In Gedo, some in Dollow reported sporadic rainfall. A caller in Beledhawo said they had rainfall and the water catchment areas had been replenished. Several in Bardera said they had rainfall and hoped for more. In Lower Shabelle, callers in Wanleweyne, Kurtunwarey, Barawe, and Afgoye celebrated good rainfall and that farms were doing well. A female caller in in Jowhar, M. Shabelle, said they had got the rainfall and were doing well, although some areas had no rain. In Hiran, a caller in Beletweyne said the river water level had risen, while a caller in Gonyale, Hiran, said they had only one downpour but were still working on their farms. Drought and water shortage – in the north , a caller in Togdher said they had a little rainfall in Abdi Dhere but the grazing was depleted by all the livestock. They faced drought again although areas around them had rain. In Sanag region, a caller in Kobal said their livestock were dying due to drought and water shortage and they needed help. Another in El-buh appealed for cash aid. In Sool, a caller in War-idad said their livestock were dying due to lack of fodder. A female caller in Kalabeyr appealed for food and water aid. In Puntland , a caller in Bari region said they were preparing their farms for planting but still hadn’t received any rain. Others said their livestock lacked fodder and water. In Mudug , one caller said the rain was scattered with some areas still dry and others getting showers. A female caller in Gumare said they faced severe drought and were appealing for aid. In Galgadud , among several callers in Abudwak one said they faced severe drought and their livestock continued to die. A caller in Dusamareb blamed incorrect weather forecasts and said it was extremely hot and dry and they prayed for rain. Among several in Guriel, a female caller said prices were going up due to the drought. A caller in Godinlabe said they had had no rain and people were desperate. A caller in Hiran indicated rain in some areas but not in others. Callers in Dollow, Gedo , said rain was scattered or in some cases had started then ceased.

Oct 2, 2026 · byReliefWeb
📰

Somalia: Children among those injured as heavy fighting hits Baidoa - Child rights agencies call for protection of civilians

Country: Somalia Source: Save the Children BAIDOA, SOMALIA, 29 September 2026 – Young children are among those injured in heavy fighting that broke out in Baidoa yesterday, aid agencies said, as tensions rise in the in southwest city of Somalia. The violence also killed a community health worker, injured patients and medical staff, and damaged a hospital supported by SOS Children's Villages. An explosion reportedly caused by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device near Baidoa District Hospital caused severe injuries to medical staff, patients and caretakers. Healthcare officials have confirmed that young girls, including a two-year-old, were admitted and are receiving treatment. Additionally, the blast also damaged the maternity ward, outpatient department, waiting and consultation areas, water facilities, the security gate, and an ambulance. Part of the roof also caved in from impact, trapping patients and staff inside the hospital. The Joining Forces, an alliance of child-focused organizations in Somalia including Save the Children, World Vision, Plan International and SOS Children's Villages, is calling on all parties to protect children and civilians and to allow safe humanitarian access. Despite the damage, SOS Children's Villages health teams continued to treat people arriving with injuries. Long queues of injured patients were reported around midday yesterday, with patients needing critical care referred to other health facilities. Abdikadir Dakane, National Director of SOS Children's Villages in Somalia, said: “Yesterday's explosion has caused severe damage to our hospital and injured patients, healthcare workers and carers. A mortar also struck the home of one of our community health workers, who later died from his injuries. This happened while the hospital is under significant pressure from the ongoing malnutrition crisis, including caring for severely malnourished children receiving critical treatment. “We condemn attacks on humanitarian workers and facilities such as hospitals, schools and distribution sites. We urge all parties to exercise restraint and respect international humanitarian law, especially when parts of the region face a risk of famine.” Sadia Allin, Country Director, Plan International, said: “Somali children deserve peace. They deserve dignity. They deserve to live free from war and fear. At this critical time, we must reaffirm a simple and fundamental principle: children must never be the victims of conflict. Their rights, safety, dignity, and wellbeing must be protected at all times, without exceptions.” Binyam Gebru, Save the Children’s Acting Country Director for Somalia, said: “We are deeply concerned by yesterday's fighting in Baidoa. We know that at least 17 children were injured and are receiving treatment in various hospitals according to reports from our teams on the ground. Three health facilities were reportedly damaged during the clashes, and an ambulance was seized. Children in Baidoa are already facing a severe hunger crisis, and many depend on health facilities for treatment of malnutrition. When those facilities are damaged, children lose a lifeline. We urge all parties to protect children and civilians, respect international humanitarian law, and allow humanitarian organizations to reach families in need safely.” The violence comes as Baidoa faces a deepening hunger crisis. The city is home to an estimated 800,000 displaced people, nearly half of its total population. According to the latest the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, published last week, nearly 26,000 displaced people in Baidoa are projected to face Catastrophic (IPC Phase 5) levels of hunger between October and December, just one step away from famine, as families already struggling with drought brace for looming El Niño-induced heavy rains and flooding. Acute malnutrition among children in the city's displacement sites is expected to worsen, and the IPC warns that displaced families in Baidoa face a risk of famine if flooding and displacement are more severe than expected and assistance remains insufficient. Joining Forces calls on all parties to protect children and civilians in line with their obligations under international humanitarian law. Hospitals, schools, homes, and humanitarian workers must never be targeted. Humanitarian organizations need safe and unimpeded access so that children and families in Baidoa can reach the food, health, and nutrition services they depend on. END. About Joining Forces Joining Forces is a global alliance of six child-focused international NGOs. In Somalia, the alliance brings together Save the Children, World Vision, Plan International and SOS Children's Villages. The alliance works to accelerate progress toward realizing children's rights and ending violence against children. For more information, visit www.joining-forces.org ******************************************************************************************************************* For further enquiries please contact: Delfhin Mugo, Media Manager – Africa, based in NAIROBI Delfhin.Mugo@savethechildren.org Our media out of hours (GMT) contact is media@savethechildren.org.uk / +44(0)7831 650409

Sep 29, 2026 · byReliefWeb
People and healthcare must be protected amid escalating violence in Baidoa, Somalia

People and healthcare must be protected amid escalating violence in Baidoa, Somalia

Country: Somalia Source: Médecins Sans Frontières Nairobi/Baidoa — Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is deeply alarmed by the impact of the escalating violence in Baidoa, in Somalia’s South-West state, on civilians and their access to essential healthcare. MSF urgently calls on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians, patients, healthcare workers and medical facilities, and to ensure that people in need of medical care can reach hospitals safely and without obstruction. On the morning of Monday, 28 September, fighting erupted in and around Baidoa town for the third time since 17 August. A health facility was reportedly severely damaged, and a healthcare worker was killed. An ambulance was looted, while civilian homes were also reportedly attacked. Two medical staff working alongside MSF teams were robbed, and one was injured. “This is the third time in six weeks that fighting has erupted in Baidoa, with devastating consequences for civilians,” says Dr Elshafie Mohammed, MSF country representative in Somalia. “It is unacceptable that civilians and healthcare are being caught up in violence. Injured people need immediate medical attention, but many cannot reach hospital. Without timely treatment, many can bleed to death.” “Health facilities, healthcare workers and patients must never be targeted,” says Dr Mohammed. “We call on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and to ensure that patients can reach healthcare facilities safely, without fear, delay or obstruction.” So far, medical teams working with the Ministry of Health at Bay Regional hospital have received 69 patients affected by the violence, including five children. Three deaths have been recorded. Roads leading to hospitals in Baidoa have been blocked since the fighting began, severely restricting access to medical care. Only a small number of wounded patients have managed to reach Bay Regional hospital. MSF is concerned that many wounded people remain unable to access treatment and we expect more patients to arrive at the hospital once access routes reopen. The disruption is affecting not only those wounded in the violence, but also people who need other urgent and essential medical care. Armed clashes also erupted in and around Baidoa town on 17 August, when teams at Bay Regional hospital received 94 wounded people, including 29 women and 20 children, five of whom were under the age of five. Four deaths were recorded, including that of a young woman. A new wave of clashes began on the morning of 3 September, when teams received 71 wounded people, including 15 women and 12 children. One death was also recorded. At Bay Regional hospital, MSF works in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, supporting the emergency, maternity, paediatrics, nutrition and outpatient departments.

Sep 29, 2026 · byReliefWeb
Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia Mr. George Conway on the situation in Baidoa.

Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia Mr. George Conway on the situation in Baidoa.

Country: Somalia Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Mogadishu, 28 September 2026 – Violent conflict in Baidoa, South West State, continues to affect civilians with serious humanitarian and protection consequences. Recent clashes in August and September have resulted in ongoing insecurity, protection risks, further displacement, and increasingly limited access to basic services. I am particularly concerned about the people facing heightened risk and vulnerabilities. Women, children, older persons and people with disabilities are among those who face additional barriers to safety, assistance and freedom of movement. Repeated displacement further erodes families’ ability to cope and increases their vulnerability. Baidoa is already experiencing protracted and high levels of child malnutrition, which risk being further exacerbated by continued conflict and disruption to essential services. The protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law must be the foremost consideration of all parties. I call on all actors to take all necessary measures toprevent and mitigate harm to civilians, avoid actions that place people at risk, ensure that reports of civilian casualties are promptly and impartially investigated and ensure that civilians can safely access humanitarian assistance and essential services. Schools and other civilian infrastructure must be protected. Hospitals and other medical facilities are protected under international humanitarian law and must be respected and protected. Humanitarian partners remain committed to delivering life-saving assistance to those most at risk and preventing further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Baidoa. I call on all parties to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protecthumanitarian assets intended to benefit affected communities. Humanitarian actors must be granted safe, rapid and unimpeded access to affected communities. End.

Sep 28, 2026 · byReliefWeb
Somalia - Emergency Trend Tracking (ETT) - 5 Districts assessed | Week 14 (13 – 16 September 2026)

Somalia - Emergency Trend Tracking (ETT) - 5 Districts assessed | Week 14 (13 – 16 September 2026)

Country: Somalia Source: International Organization for Migration Please refer to the attached Infographic. DTM launched a new round of ETT on 14 June 2026 using an updated methodology to monitor displacement driven by conflict, as well as the climatic impacts of the very strong El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to trigger significant displacement toward the end of the year. Since June 2026, DTM teams collected data in up to 13 districts across Somalia: Baidoa, Dayniile, Diinsoor, Doolow, Kahda, Baki, Borama, Burco, Hargeisa, Bossaso, Caluula, Qandala, and Qardho. For week 14, only 5 districts were assessed due to limited funding: Baidoa, Dayniile, Diinsoor, Doolow, and Kahda. ETT is a crisis-based tool that tracks sudden displacement triggered by specific events or emerging crises. Its objective is to support the prioritization of humanitarian response and enable partners to deliver rapid assistance. It includes information on new arrivals, the number and demographics of IDPs, reasons for displacement, intentions, humanitarian assistance received, and priority needs, among others. Based on previous shock induced displacement patterns, the humanitarian community expects continued movement toward urban areas in search of services. Consequently, ETT coverage focuses on main urban centers and surrounding villages within each assessed district.

Sep 24, 2026 · byReliefWeb
Somalia's women and girls face a risk of famine as hunger deepens and El Niño nears

Somalia's women and girls face a risk of famine as hunger deepens and El Niño nears

Country: Somalia Source: CARE Mogadishu, Somalia, September 23, 2026 – Across Somalia, as food becomes increasingly scarce, women and girls are bearing the heaviest burden. Mothers are struggling to keep their children fed, pregnant and breastfeeding women are battling to meet their own nutritional needs, and girls face growing risks of dropping out of school, exploitation and early marriage. As needs rise and support dwindles, a looming Super El Niño threatens to bring flooding, disease outbreaks and displacement to communities already pushed to their limits. The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis confirms that hunger is worsening across Somalia. An estimated 5.4 million people are projected to face Crisis (IPC Phase 3) levels of hunger or worse between October and December 2026, compared to 4.4 million people during the same period in 2025. The number of people facing Emergency (IPC Phase 4) levels of hunger is projected to rise from 921,000 during October to December 2025 to 1.48 million during the same period this year. 26,000 people in Baidoa are projected to face Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) by the end of 2026, placing them at risk of famine if worsening floods, rising food prices, and humanitarian funding shortfalls are not addressed. The deterioration comes as humanitarian funding continues to shrink. The number of people receiving food assistance, including food baskets, cash vouchers and agricultural support, has almost halved between January and June 2026. As a result, just 1 per cent of people in need are expected to receive food assistance during October to December. Women and children in displacement sites are likely to bear the brunt of these cuts. For Fadumo, a 42-year-old displaced mother living in a camp on the outskirts of Mogadishu, hunger has become a daily reality. “Today, I have zero food in the house and we have not eaten anything yet,” she said. “We wait for my son to return. Only then will I know if we will eat today.” Fadumo fled violence in Somalia’s Hiiraan region with her family. Today, she shares a cramped shelter with her disabled husband, her elderly mother, nine children, and seven nieces and nephews. Their entire survival hinges on what her 11-year-old son earns shining shoes in the streets of Mogadishu, a few dollars on a good day, and nothing on others. Since May 2026, health services, food assistance, water distribution, emergency cash, and dedicated safe spaces for women and girls have all been suspended due to funding cuts. The impact on women and children is already severe. An estimated 1.1 million women and children are expected to miss lifesaving treatment and preventative nutrition services following the closure of 233 nutrition centres. Nine in ten children suffering from moderate acute malnutrition are expected to lose access to support from October onwards. Admissions to stabilization centres for severely malnourished children have already increased by 40 per cent. Between March and August 2026, 15,505 acutely malnourished children were treated at CARE and partner-supported health facilities across Somalia. However, due to funding shortages, only six of the 75 CARE and partner-supported health facilities across Somalia that had been supporting the treatment of acute malnutrition are expected to remain operational after September 2026. “Somalia’s mothers are fighting an agonizing battle on every front, doing whatever it takes to feed their children today, while fearing the floodwaters of tomorrow,” says Ummy Dubow, CARE Somalia Country Director . “Hunger is rising, aid is shrinking and women and children are being left with fewer and fewer ways to cope. We are being forced to close lifesaving health centres not because the need has disappeared, but because the funding has. If these facilities shut their doors just as the rains arrive, the consequences will be measured in children’s lives. The window to act is closing fast.” Forecasts indicate a high likelihood of a very strong El Niño during Somalia’s October to December Deyr rains. Above-average rainfall could trigger severe flooding, damaging crops and infrastructure, disrupting markets, contaminating water sources, spreading disease, and displacing large numbers of people. In Beletweyne, one of Somalia’s largest displacement hubs, flooding could displace more than 200,000 people. Displaced communities in the area could face Extremely Critical (IPC Phase 5) levels of acute malnutrition, as flooding, disease outbreaks and reduced services combine to create catastrophic conditions. “El Niño-related risks can quickly become a protection, health and livelihoods crisis in Somalia,” says Ahmed Nasir, Deputy Director, Save Somali Women and Children (SSWC) . ” In Beletweyne, for instance, women and girls face increased risks when floods displace families. Water sources become contaminated, while damaged latrines increase risks of disease outbreaks and make essential services harder to reach. Communities have strong local coping capacity, but they need early warnings, anticipatory finance, safe evacuation routes, emergency cash and protection services designed with women and girls at the centre.” CARE is calling for an immediate and significant increase in humanitarian funding. Quality funding that is flexible and predictable is urgently needed and must be channeled as directly as possible to national and international organizations, including to women-led organizations, as central actors in the response. CARE also calls on all parties to ensure safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access to affected people and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law. Without urgent action, millions of women, children and vulnerable families will face an increasingly dangerous combination of risks, including hunger, malnutrition, displacement, protection and violence against women and girls, making them even more vulnerable to ongoing and future climate shocks. About CARE in Somalia CARE has been working in Somalia since 1981, supporting vulnerable communities affected by conflict, climate shocks, displacement, and poverty. Working alongside local partners, authorities, and communities, CARE is delivering cash assistance, healthcare, nutrition and protection services such as safe spaces for women and girls, psychosocial support, and emergency care for survivors of violence, where possible. For media inquiries , please email usa.media@care.org, or contact Pauline Hurungudo , CARE East and Southern Africa, Regional Communications Advisor, Pauline.Hurungudo@care.org

Sep 23, 2026 · byReliefWeb
UNHCR Somalia Protection and Solutions Monitoring Flash Alert # 21 | Sep 2026: Renewed clashes in Baidoa trigger displacement of over 14,000 individuals

UNHCR Somalia Protection and Solutions Monitoring Flash Alert # 21 | Sep 2026: Renewed clashes in Baidoa trigger displacement of over 14,000 individuals

Country: Somalia Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. Between 3 and 5 September 2026, armed clashes erupted in Baidoa following reported clashes involving forces aligned with the former Southwest State. The confrontation heightened insecurity and tensions across the city, affecting both host communities and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Although Federal and Southwest State forces reportedly pushed back the attacking forces, the opposition elements subsequently called on civilians to evacuate Baidoa amid reports of preparations for a possible renewed attack.

Sep 13, 2026 · byReliefWeb