By HAN News Desk
MOGADISHU — The European Union (EU) has announced more than $7 million in new aid to Somalia, aimed at strengthening humanitarian efforts and accelerating the protection of human rights. The move is part of wider international initiatives to support stability, development, and reconstruction in a country facing recurrent crises.
Francesca Di Mauro, the EU Ambassador to Somalia, said the new funding will be directed at supporting Somali civil society organisations, promoting peace and coexistence, improving living conditions, strengthening human rights protection, and addressing urgent needs caused by prolonged droughts. “This aid package reflects our commitment to helping vulnerable communities recover from multiple shocks and build long-term resilience,” she said.
Somalia is currently grappling with severe drought, which has devastated crops and led to the loss of livestock — the main source of livelihood for many Somali families. The drought has also exacerbated food insecurity, forced communities to migrate in search of water and pasture, and placed enormous strain on local health and education services.
The EU announcement follows a series of meetings between the Federal Government of Somalia and international partners, where all sides agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation to assist the communities most affected by drought and ongoing conflicts. Officials pledged to adopt a coordinated approach that not only addresses immediate humanitarian needs but also invests in long-term strategies to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience.
The aid package underscores the EU’s broader strategy of promoting sustainable development and governance based on human rights. It will help fund initiatives such as emergency food distribution, water supply projects, support for local health facilities, and programs designed to protect children and other vulnerable populations from the worst effects of the drought.
“This intervention is critical,” Di Mauro said, “as it not only addresses urgent humanitarian needs but also supports Somalia’s path toward stability, economic recovery, and sustainable development.”
The international community continues to emphasize that without coordinated support, repeated droughts and conflict could push millions more Somalis into extreme poverty, threatening livelihoods, food security, and social cohesion across the country.
