UN Chief's Message of Hope, Peace Amid Somalia's Looming Famine

UN chief António Guterres has reaffirmed the UN's commitment to supporting Somalia as it continues on its path to establishing lasting peace and stability. During his two-day visit, the Secretary-General met with Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and members of his cabinet and advisors, visited internally displaced families in South West State on a trip to Baidoa, and met separately with civil society organisations and the heads of UN agencies, funds and programmes working in support of Somalis.

Guterres noted that despite severe challenges, the people of Somalia continued to demonstrate enormous strength and resilience adding that since his last visit in 2017, the country has seen progress in peace, security, and sustainable development. He welcomed the Government's commitment to women's rights and representation and call for the full implementation and codification of the 30% quota for women in elections.

Somalis are facing hunger as the country remains gripped by a record-setting drought that has displaced 1.4 million Somalis - with women and children making up 80% of these people. Food prices are rising and aggravating hunger and malnutrition. Urgent assistance is needed for some 8.3 million Somalis, according to the UN humanitarian affairs coordination office.