By Mohamed Qaal - Reporter
Somalia, 1 February 2026 North East State has launched a fundraising campaign to support communities and livestock affected by the severe drought, warning that the situation could worsen if urgent measures are not taken.
Speaking at the launch ceremony last week, Vice President Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril said the drought has severely disrupted the livelihoods of pastoralist communities and now poses serious threat to both people and their livestock.
He warned that if the lack of rainfall continues —particularly in the second month of the year—the situation will worsen, requiring urgent preparedness and large-scale resource mobilization.
Jibriil called on business leaders, members of the Somali diaspora, philanthropists, and the wider public to contribute to the relief effort, noting that diaspora communities have historically supported their people during times of hardship.
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“Today is a time that demands unity; government officials, citizens, businesspeople, intellectuals, and the diaspora must come together to support our vulnerable brothers and sisters,” he said.
He added that the administration is preparing relief plans to be shared with the fundraising committee to help raise the required funds. The administration also plans direct outreach visits to companies and business centers to accelerate donations.
The Vice President appealed to the federal government and the international community to fully engage in the drought response adding that the crisis is affecting multiple regions of the country, with reports indicating significant losses of life and livelihoods.
He reiterated the need for a national collective effort to protect vulnerable communities and livestock, stressing that the North Eastern State is facing a severe situation that requires immediate humanitarian assistance.
