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Somalia’s Humanitarian Forum Opens Amid Concerns Over Shrinking Foreign Aid

November 10, 2025

2 min read

Somalia, 10 November 2025 - The Somalia Humanitarian Forum opens today in Jowhar, amid growing concerns over declining foreign aid assistance.

This year, Somalia appealed for $1.42 billion to address its humanitarian needs, but has so far received only $272.8 million, representing just 19 per cent of the total requested.

The shortfall is largely linked to the United States’ decision to cut back on global aid contributions, which has severely affected life-saving programs assisting those impacted by drought, floods, and conflict.

The forum in Jowhar brings together both national and international representatives, including SoDMA Director General Mohamud Moalim Abdulle, HirShabelle President Ali Gudlawe, Federal Ministry of Agriculture officials, as well as delegates from the World Bank, United Kingdom, United States, European Union, Turkey, and civil society organizations.

Discussions will focus on strengthening Somali-led coordination of humanitarian assistance and enhancing local community participation in relief efforts.

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Despite the funding decline, Somalia has this year contributed $9 million of its own resources to humanitarian response — making it the ninth-largest donor to Somalia’s aid operations, surpassing countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Norway.

Officials said the Jowhar forum highlights the importance of international cooperation and local engagement in addressing recurring humanitarian crises.

They noted that better planning, resource management, and coordination between the government and aid agencies could bring tangible progress despite shrinking foreign assistance.

This Jowhar meeting marks the ninth forum organized by SoDMA, and will review strategies for linking humanitarian coordination with early warning systems and resilience planning at both federal and state levels.

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