Kismayo, Jubaland: Jubaland’s Minister of Planning, Investment and International Cooperation, Abdirahman Abdi Ahmed, has issued an urgent humanitarian appeal alongside Sandra Lattouf, Country Representative of UNICEF, as devastating drought conditions continue to threaten lives and livelihoods across the state.
The joint statement followed constructive discussions between UNICEF and the Speaker of the Parliament of Jubaland State, coming at what officials describe as a critical juncture for the region.
Drought in Jubaland Escalates into Humanitarian Emergency
Speaking during the engagement, Minister Abdirahman Abdi Ahmed warned that political shifts have disrupted the flow of humanitarian and development assistance, further compounding the crisis.
He described the drought situation as “particularly alarming,” noting that livestock the backbone of household income and survival in Jubaland has been severely depleted.
“What began as a livelihood crisis is now rapidly evolving into a threat to human life,”
the Minister stated.
Communities across Jubaland are facing:
Severe water shortages
Livestock losses
Rising food insecurity
Increased vulnerability among women and children
The Minister emphasized that humanitarian needs transcend political timelines and require immediate, sustained, and well-coordinated action.
Call for Unity and Stronger Resource Mobilization
Minister Abdirahman Abdi Ahmed called for renewed unity between government institutions, humanitarian partners, and development agencies.
“It is imperative that government institutions and our humanitarian and development partners think innovatively, act decisively, and pursue alternative approaches responsive to contemporary realities,”
he said.
He reaffirmed the Jubaland government’s full commitment to working alongside UNICEF to mitigate the drought’s impact, particularly in protecting women and children.
Despite the severe challenges, the Minister highlighted that Jubaland has finalized its Five-Year State Strategic Development Plan, focusing on:
Private sector growth
Digital governance systems
Economic diversification
Climate resilience strengthening
Sustainable, forward-looking development priorities
He described UNICEF as a trusted and reliable partner in reinforcing government leadership and promoting long-term resilience.
UNICEF: Children and Women Most at Risk
Sandra Lattouf underscored the urgency of protecting children amid worsening drought conditions.
She described the situation facing children and women as extremely difficult, sharing that UNICEF continues to hear distressing accounts from affected communities.
“We must make a difference for the children who do not have protection and safety,”
Lattouf said.
While UNICEF has a two-year response plan in place, she stressed that existing resources are not enough to meet the scale of growing needs.
She called on humanitarian partners, the private sector, and international donors to support Jubaland’s vision to protect children, no matter where they are.
Appeal to International Community
In closing, Minister Abdirahman Abdi Ahmed appealed to traditional and emerging donors to stand in solidarity with Jubaland during this critical time.
“With partnership and shared responsibility, we can respond effectively to these challenges and safeguard the future of our people”
he concluded.
As climate shocks intensify across Somalia, the joint call from Jubaland’s leadership and UNICEF underscores the urgent need for coordinated humanitarian action to protect vulnerable communities and secure long-term resilience.
