By HAN News Desk
BELEM – The Federal Government of Somalia has announced that it requires $6.3 billion to address the severe consequences of climate change, including floods, droughts, and increasing displacement that have devastated communities across the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Belem, Somalia, Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama said the funds are not being requested as humanitarian aid but rather as “climate justice” — a fair contribution from the international community to help Somalia cope with the impacts of a crisis it has contributed little to.
“This is not a plea for charity,” said Jama. “Somalia is demanding climate justice — we are asking for what we are rightfully owed as one of the countries most affected by climate change but least responsible for causing it.”
Somalia is among the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world, facing a cycle of extreme weather events that have worsened humanitarian conditions. Recurrent droughts have devastated agriculture and livestock, while flash floods have destroyed homes, infrastructure, and farmlands, displacing hundreds of thousands of people.
According to government figures, over four million Somalis have been affected by recent climate shocks, with many forced to migrate in search of water and food. The government says the requested $6.3 billion would be used for long-term climate adaptation projects, disaster resilience, and sustainable development programs, including improved water management, renewable energy initiatives, and reforestation.
Deputy Prime Minister Jama also urged wealthy nations to fulfill their pledges made under international climate agreements, such as the Paris Accord and the COP summits, emphasizing that African nations like Somalia cannot continue to bear the brunt of global warming without adequate financial support.
“Countries that have historically contributed to global emissions have a moral and legal responsibility to support nations like Somalia,” he added.
Climate experts in Mogadishu welcomed the government’s statement, saying it underscores the need for a coordinated African voice in demanding fair climate financing ahead of major global climate conferences.
Somalia’s appeal comes as the country continues to recover from years of conflict, weak governance, and recurring humanitarian crises, which have compounded the effects of environmental degradation.
Officials say the government is preparing a national climate resilience strategy to ensure that future investments are directed toward sustainable and community-driven projects capable of mitigating future climate disasters.
