Somalia

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

In Sudan, the World Food Programme says it has now reached over 300,000 people since restarting emergency food distributions there two weeks ago. Two cargo planes from the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service carrying critical supplies for United Nations agencies and aid partners have arrived in Port Sudan.

On 18 May 2023, the Security Council Committee pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) concerning Al-Shabaab updated its Implementation Assistance Notice (IAN) 1:

Two months after Tropical Cyclone Freddy devastated Malawi, United Nations agencies continue to support the Government-led response. While humanitarian assistance has reached 1.4 million people, more funding is needed to continue this work and the flash appeal — only 21 per cent funded — is asking for $116 million.

In Somalia, the United Nations and the Government have just unveiled a revamped multi-donor trust fund in support of the country’s development priorities. The Somalia Joint Fund will provide flexible funding to address key challenges facing the country and its people.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Catriona Laing of the United Kingdom as his new Special Representative for Somalia and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).

Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths visited Port Sudan today to reaffirm the UN’s commitment to meet the Sudanese people’s humanitarian needs. In calls with Generals Abdelfattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, he stressed aid must reach everyone in need.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in Somalia on his annual solidarity visit for Ramadan early on Tuesday morning, 11 April.

In Somalia, the number of people affected by flooding has reached 175,000 and displaced 140,000. The United Nations and partners are providing food, shelter, cash and hygiene kits to over 100,000 people. However, the $2.6 billion Humanitarian Response Plan for 2023 is only 15 per cent funded.

In Chad, the United Nations, along with the Government and aid partners, today launched the 2023 humanitarian response plan, appealing for $674 million to help about 4.4 million people in need, with a focus on food security, health services and addressing the impacts of climate change.