HUMANITARIAN CONDITIONS, SEVERITY AND PEOPLE IN NEED, FOR DROUGHT AFFECTED ALL IN SOMALILAND

Drought affected in general the urban and rural population in Somaliland regions, but vulnerable groups deem the mostly effected communities in the country. As a drought assessment report, conducted in Minority IDP settlements of five regions by minority lead organizations – USWO and DYDO, shows that  minority internally displaced people; in particular, women and children are encountering difficulties and suffering conditions caused by drought effected Somaliland and in generally the horn of Africa.

Drought has worsened significantly across Somalia following three consecutive below-average rainy seasons. According to FAO/SWALIM, drought conditions are worsening as from December 2021 and the first quarter of 2022, leading to a similar situation witnessed in 2017. The intensifying drought has led to water shortages, crop failures, and high levels of livestock migration and deaths. This comes only three years after a devastating drought that impacted hundreds of thousands of lives, placed additional strain on communities, stretched the humanitarian response and displaced over 300,000 people.

Deteriorating drought conditions have resulted in increased humanitarian needs as the country risks a fourth consecutive failed rainy seasons through December 2021. The overall number of people in need of humanitarian assistance and protection has increased every year. The combined impact of these recurring stress factors has deepened poverty levels, as Somaliland minority and marginalized IDP communities lack access to sustainable livelihoods are reportedly living below the poverty line by the end 2022.

USWO and DYDO as lead minority IDP rights-based organizations have been concerned and uttering the persistence of the exceeding humanitarian exclusion for minority communities in Somaliland for the recent years and yet engaged in addressing out the humanitarian needs and drought affected minority IDP settlements in Somaliland through proposing this Urgent Support Response To 8 Minority IDP Settlements Effected by Drought in Somaliland.

Summarized by:

Abshir Digalle