By HAN News Desk
BAIDOA – Thousands of residents have gathered in the Somali city of Baidoa to pray for rain, as a severe drought continues to devastate large parts of the country.
The open-air prayer, known as Istisqa, was led by religious scholars and attended by men, women and children. Worshippers raised their hands in unison, asking God to send rain and relief to the drought-hit regions.
Religious leaders urged people to repent and seek forgiveness, saying that unity and compassion were essential during such difficult times.
“Rain is a mercy from Allah. It will come when people show mercy to one another,” said Sheikh Abdirahman Mohamed, one of the leading clerics in Baidoa.
Somalia’s southern, central and northern regions are experiencing one of the worst dry spells in years. The drought has destroyed crops, killed livestock and forced thousands of families to flee their rural homes in search of food and water.
Many displaced people have arrived in urban centres such as Baidoa, Mogadishu and Galkayo, where aid agencies are struggling to meet growing humanitarian needs.
Local authorities have appealed for urgent assistance from the federal government and international partners to prevent the crisis from worsening.
Despite the hardship, residents remain hopeful that their collective prayers will bring rain and relief.
The scene in Baidoa reflected both the deep faith and resilience of Somali communities facing repeated cycles of drought and displacement.
