By Horn Africa News
Hargeisa – The self-declared Republic of Somaliland has issued an urgent plea for humanitarian assistance as a devastating drought grips vast stretches of its coastal territories, pushing communities to the brink of famine.
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), addressing the nation on Tuesday, described the crisis as “dire and deepening,” with the drought stretching from Lawyade in Awdal region to the eastern coastal town of Lasqoray. He warned that the prolonged dry spell has decimated livestock—the primary livelihood for many pastoral communities—leaving families vulnerable to hunger and displacement.
“We are facing a humanitarian emergency,” said President Irro. “Without immediate intervention, lives will be lost.”
The President called on local entrepreneurs, international donors, and humanitarian organizations to mobilize quickly and deliver life-saving assistance to the worst-affected areas. Forecasts suggest the drought will persist in the coming months, with little or no rainfall expected.
In a swift show of solidarity, neighboring Djibouti became the first country to respond. Within hours of the appeal, Djiboutian authorities dispatched a shipment of emergency food supplies to aid drought-stricken populations in Somaliland.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains internationally unrecognized, has often relied on its diaspora and regional partners during times of crisis. Irro also urged Somalis around the world to step forward once again.
“In our most difficult moments, the unity and generosity of Somalis—at home and abroad—have always been our strength,” he said. “Now is the time to act.”
The call for aid comes amid mounting concerns over climate change and its disproportionate impact on the Horn of Africa, where rising temperatures and irregular rainfall patterns continue to threaten food security and livelihoods.
