The Problem of Displacement

Displacement is one of the major challenges facing the Somali community, significantly affecting people's lives. A large part of the Somali community consists of poor people; their livelihoods depend on livestock, agriculture, fishing, and small businesses. Despite this, there are times when droughts and other challenges force people to seek areas to live. In such cases, the resources they relied on for their livelihoods, such as farms and livestock, are lost.

Displacement occurs when a person or community is forced to move from their place of residence due to difficult circumstances, such as conflict, drought, or poverty. Internally displaced people move to another area within their country without crossing the national border (Somali Language Dictionary (2012)).

Displaced persons are often those who have been compelled, or found it necessary, to leave their homes and communities. For example, among the internally displaced people living in Mogadishu are those who have fled from other regions of the country and those who have been displaced within the city itself.

The challenges facing Somalia include widespread displacement that uproots people from the areas where they lived. According to agencies such as UNHCR, UNDP, and IOM, internal displacement in Somalia is primarily caused by two interrelated factors: insecurity and climate change. Political conflicts that occasionally occur and clan wars disrupt community life, forcing people to move.

The main causes of displacement also include problems related to climate change: river floods, severe droughts, livestock dying from lack of water, reduced agricultural production, and erratic rainfall. These issues cause thousands of people to flee their homes, especially in regions traversed by rivers. Additionally, displacement can result from outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as cholera and malaria.

Internally displaced people often move to major cities to seek safety, assistance, and a livelihood. When these crises strike, they usually flee to the nearest areas or regions where they expect to find a means of survival. Areas with a high concentration of displaced persons include:

Bay (Baydhabo): The city of Baydhabo is one of the places where people from the neighboring regions gather. There are also organizations providing humanitarian aid and services operating there.

Gedo (Luuq and Doolow): In some areas of the region, there is displacement caused by drought and conflicts between the resident clans. Disputes over the distribution of local resources sometimes exacerbate the conflict.

Central Regions (Galgaduud and Mudug): There is displacement resulting from wars and droughts, as well as conflicts between the forces and al-Shabaab. Hiiraan: Flooding from the Shabelle River affects the areas of the region.

When the river floods, the waters reach towns and other areas, forcing people to flee their homes. Displacement Statistics in Somalia According to the data referenced in this document, in the year 2025, approximately 3.5 to 4 million people were displaced within Somalia.

By the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026, it was reported that nearly 211,000 people had fled their areas; 64% of this displacement was attributed to drought, while 36% was attributed to insecurity. The data cited in the document from UNHCR, OCHA, and IOM noted these regions: Mudug: In February 2026 alone, the document states that nearly 80,000 people were displaced from the region.

Hobyo and Jariiban are among the areas affected by drought. Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle: Conflicts, insecurity, and flooding from the Shabelle River cause displacement in areas including Beledweyne and Jowhar.

Bay and Gedo: The droughts affecting the areas of Diinsoor, Luuq, Doolow, and Beledxaawo have reduced agricultural yields and caused damage to the livestock that people traditionally raised. Sool, Sanaag

and Togdheer: As reported in the reports of March 2026, the severe droughts in these regions have caused thousands of families to flee from the countryside. The main reasons for the displacement: Droughts: Approximately 64% of the displacement that occurred in early 2026 is attributed to droughts.

Insecurity and conflicts: Approximately 36% is attributed to the battles between government forces and terrorism on one side and militia conflicts between clans sharing water wells and grazing land; although recently other battles have emerged between opposing sides with political agendas or personal interests.

Gedo (Luuq and Doolow): In some areas of the region, there is displacement caused by drought and conflicts between the resident clans. Disputes over the distribution of local resources sometimes exacerbate the conflict.

Central Regions (Galgaduud and Mudug): There is displacement resulting from wars and droughts, as well as conflicts between the forces and al-Shabaab. Hiiraan: Flooding from the Shabelle River affects the areas of the region.

When the river floods, the waters reach towns and other areas, forcing people to flee their homes. Displacement Statistics in Somalia According to the data cited in this document, in 2025 approximately 3.5 to 4 million people were displaced within Somalia.

By late 2025 and early 2026, it was reported that nearly 211,000 people had been displaced from their areas; 64% of this displacement was attributed to drought, while 36% was attributed to insecurity. The data cited in the document from UNHCR, OCHA, and IOM noted these regions: Mudug: In February 2026 alone, the document states that nearly 80,000 people were displaced from the region.

Hobyo and Jariiban are among the areas affected by drought. Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle: Wars, insecurity, and flooding from the Shabelle River cause displacement in areas including Beledweyne and Jowhar.

Bay and Gedo: The droughts affecting the areas of Diinsoor, Luuq, Doolow, and Beledxaawo have reduced agricultural yields and harmed the livestock that people traditionally raised. Sool, Sanaag, and Togdheer: As reported in March 2026, the severe droughts in these areas have caused thousands of families to flee from the countryside.

The main causes of displacement: Droughts:

Approximately 64% of the displacement that occurred at the beginning of 2026 is attributed to drought. Insecurity and conflicts: Approximately 36% is attributed to the battles between government forces and terrorism on one side and militia conflicts between clans over water sources and shared resources; although recently, other battles have emerged between opposing sides with political agendas or specific interests.

Central Regions (Galgaduud and Mudug): There is displacement due to conflicts and droughts, as well as clashes between the forces and al-Shabaab. Hiiraan: Flooding of the Shabelle River is affecting areas of the region.

When the river floods, the waters reach towns and other areas, forcing people to flee their homes. Displacement Statistics in Somalia According to the data referenced in this document, in the year 2025 approximately 3.5 to 4 million people were internally displaced in Somalia.

By late 2025 and early 2026, it was reported that nearly 211,000 people had been displaced from their areas; 64% of this displacement was attributed to droughts, while 36% was attributed to insecurity. The data cited in the document from UNHCR, OCHA, and IOM highlighted these regions: Mudug: In February 2026 alone, the document states that nearly 80,000 people were displaced from the region.

Hobyo and Jariiban are among the areas affected by drought. Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle: Conflicts, insecurity, and flooding of the Shabelle River are causing displacement in areas including Beledweyne and Jowhar.

Bay and Gedo: The droughts affecting the areas of Diinsoor, Luuq, Doolow, and Beledxaawo have reduced agricultural yields and caused damage to the livestock that people traditionally raised. Sool, Sanaag, and Togdheer: According to reports in March 2026, the severe droughts in these areas have caused thousands of families to flee from rural areas.

Major causes of displacement: Droughts: Approximately 64% of the displacement that occurred in early 2026 is attributed to droughts. Insecurity and conflicts: Approximately 36% is attributed to the battles between government forces and terrorism on one side and militia groups on the other.

between the clans sharing the well and the chair; although recently there have been other conflicts between opposing sides with political agendas or specific interests.