Mogadishu, Somalia – May 2025 – Somalia is once again at the crossroads of crisis and resilience. As the country grapples with the devastating effects of armed conflict, climate change, displacement and a fragile economy, humanitarian organizations working on the front lines are now facing another threat;  a sharp  reduction in global funding.

Earlier this year, the United States government announced budget cuts that directly affected foreign aid programs including a significant reduction in USAID funding. This decision has had far reaching implications for humanitarian operations in Somalia, where, according to UNOACHA, more than 6.9 million people are in need of life saving assistance in 2025.

Local and international NGOS alike are feeling the strain. WARDI Relief and Development Initiatives, one of Somalia’s leading humanitarian organizations, is among those affected. For more than three decades, WARDI has been at the forefront delivering critical services in health, nutrition, water and sanitation, agriculture, protection, and emergency response but like many others, the organization now faces serious funding constraints.

“These budget cuts have not only faced have not only affected WARDI but also major humanitarian actors operating across Somalia,” said WARDI Program Director Muse Abdi Maow. “The resources are shrinking at a time when needs the needs are escalating. That is why we’ve taken proactive steps to build and reinforce partnerships with the global community.” He continued.

Strengthening old bonds and forging new ones

In April, Muse alongside the WARDI Project Manager Omar Ali embarked on a strategic visit to Europe, with the primary goal of galvanizing support for Somalia’s most vulnerable communities. Their Journey took them to Germany, France, Poland, and Switzerland where they met long-time supporters and donors and initiated conversations with potential new partners.

One of the key highlights of the visit was a series of meetings with Caritas Germany and action medeor, two of WARDI’s most committed partners. Over the years these organizations have supported a wide range of interventions in Somalia; from primary health care services in IDP camps to nutrition programs for mothers and children and WASH initiatives that have had hundreds of communities across access clean water and improved nutrition.

“We are extremely grateful to Caritas and action medeor who welcomed us warmly and listened with empathy,” Muse added. “Their support over the years has changed lives in Somalia, and we are encouraged by their continued commitment.” He said.

The team also met with several humanitarian agencies and foundations in France, Poland and Switzerland, presenting WARDI’s 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan and highlighting urgent priorities in sectors such as food security, climate resilience, access to healthcare, and support for displaced populations.

“The message was well received and of course, developing new projects take time, but we are hopeful that the relationships we have built here will soon result in tangible support,” said Omar Ali.

The humanitarian Landscaping Somalia

Somalia is navigating one of its most difficult years in recent history. The country has experienced delayed Gu’ rains, resulting in flash floods in several regions including Middle Shabelle, Hiran and Gedo, further straining already overstretched communities.

Conflict, in areas like Adan Yabal, Jowhar, and Baidoa, has displaced tens of thousands of people, most of whom are now seeking refuge in overcrowded IDP camps, some of them coming as far as Mogadishu and Banadir region. Compounding these are fears surrounding Somalia’s upcoming 2026 direct elections, the first of their kind in over 5 decades, which have triggered insecurity in politically contested areas.

With humanitarian needs on the rise, local actors like WARDI are playing an increasingly critical role. Despite limited resources, WARDI continues to respond with emergency food distributions, health services, and psychosocial support for those affected by trauma and displacement. However, the scale of this crisis far outweighs the available funding.

Urgent Appeal

WARDI is appealing to donors, partners, and well-wishers to stand in solidarity with the people of Somalia.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure no life is lost to hunger, disease or neglect,” said Muse.

But we cannot do it alone. We need urgent support to maintain and scale up our life saving interventions across Somalia. Support our initiatives by donating today.

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