The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal for 25 million Swiss francs to support the Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS) in responding to a deepening humanitarian crisis in Somalia. Millions of people are struggling amid failed rains, food shortages, and the collapse of local systems. Naemi Heita, IFRC Head of Delegation for Kenya and Somalia, highlighted that the climate-driven drought is intensifying an already complex crisis, depriving communities of water, food, and fodder, while SRCS volunteers continue to provide frontline support.
Somalia faces one of the world’s most challenging humanitarian contexts, shaped by decades of conflict, economic fragility, and climate extremes. The country is experiencing the aftermath of its worst drought in 40 years, compounded by catastrophic floods in 2023. Failed Gu rains between April and June triggered new drought declarations, and forecasts indicate that the Deyr rains from October to December may also be insufficient. More than 2.5 million people are facing severe shortages of food, water, and essential services, while health centres are closing and displacement is rising. Traditional community coping mechanisms, such as sharing scarce resources, migrating for water and pasture, selling livestock, and reducing meals, are no longer sufficient, leaving families in urgent need of sustained support.
Despite insecurity, damaged infrastructure, and shrinking funds, the Somali Red Crescent Society continues to reach those most in need. With over 1,000 staff and 20,000 volunteers across 18 branches, SRCS provides healthcare, clean water, sanitation, shelter, and food support, even in hard-to-access areas. In 2024 alone, SRCS reached 1.2 million people, reflecting its strong community presence and trust. SRCS President Yusuf Hassan emphasized that the appeal is an urgent call for international support to sustain life-saving operations as communities exhaust their coping strategies and essential services scale down.
The IFRC emergency appeal will allow SRCS to scale up life-saving and early recovery efforts nationwide, including restoring access to clean water, improving sanitation, supporting food and livelihood recovery, and delivering essential health and nutrition services. All activities will integrate protection, gender, and inclusion measures to ensure communities are supported safely and with dignity. The IFRC and SRCS are urging donors, governments, and partners to mobilize resources to close the growing funding gap and support the people of Somalia in this critical moment.
