In the dusty plains of Al-Hidaya camp on the outskirts of Mogadishu, mothers sit outside makeshift shelters, trying to shield their children from the harsh heat with scraps of cloth. These families, who fled droughts and conflicts, hoped to find safety and basic support near Somalia’s capital. However, the recent suspension of US humanitarian aid has left them facing even greater hardship.
The US government halted all humanitarian assistance to Somalia through USAID, including a critical 125.5 million USD package, due to concerns over alleged misuse of funds. This sudden freeze has thrown aid-dependent communities into despair, leaving them struggling to survive without the essential support they once relied on.
Fadumo Omar, a mother of 10 who fled the Lower Shabelle region, describes the dire situation in Al-Hidaya camp. “We used to receive food and support from USAID. Now, we have nothing — no food, no water, not even toilets,” she shared, reflecting the growing crisis faced by many displaced families.
More than 3.8 million people have been displaced in Somalia, driven by ongoing climate shocks and insecurity. With the suspension of US aid, local charity organizations like the Somali Women Development Center, which supports displaced women and children, have seen vital services disrupted. Abdullahi Dahir Ahmed, the center’s program manager, stressed that while they are seeking new partners, the financial capacity of local donors is limited, and international agencies are overwhelmed by other global crises.
For those in camps like Al-Hidaya, life is a daily struggle. Families are forced to skip meals, send children to beg, and share what little they have. Fadumo Abdulkadir, another displaced woman, lamented the lack of nutritional support for pregnant women and malnourished children, further exacerbating the situation.
As humanitarian organizations scramble to fill the gap, the Somali government has called for continued international support and transparency. However, without immediate aid, the situation for displaced families in Somalia is becoming increasingly desperate.
