Somalia Highlights

A Brief Overview of Key Moments in Somalia

1963

Red Crescent established

Somalia Red Crescent Society is established in Somalia in 1963 and officially recognized by the ICRC in July of 1969.

1977

Ogaden war

Fighting broke out from July 1977 to March 1978 between Somalia and Ethiopia due to a territorial dispute over the Ogaden region, which was claimed by both countries.

1983

ICRC delegation

ICRC delegation opened in Mogadishu.

1988

Repatriation of prisoners of war

On 3 April 1988, Ethiopia and Somalia signed an agreement normalizing their relations and providing for the repatriation of all prisoners of war and civilian internees. With the agreement of both countries, the ICRC facilitated the process of repatriation, in conformity with its specific mandate.

1991

Civil war

Civil war broke out in Somalia and continued from 1991 to 1994.

1992

Keysaney hospital opened

Keysaney hospital was opened and staffed with an ICRC surgical team.

2006

Ethiopian troops

Ethiopian troops entered Somalia. At the same time, Somalia was undergoing a water shortage which the ICRC was responding to through 50 water projects that would benefit 200,000 people.

2009

Withdrawal of troops

Ethiopia completed the withdrawal of troops.

2010

Famine

From 2010 to 2012, Somalia was struck by a famine that killed almost 260,000 people, according to the UN.

2011

ICRC response

ICRC responded to the severe food crisis in the Centre and the South of the country, providing until the end of the year emergency food rations.

2012

Keysaney hospital

Keysaney hospital celebrated its 20th year of activities.

2017

Severe drought

Somalia experienced a severe drought which the ICRC responded to by providing assistance to nearly two million people.

2018

Security concerns

A reduction of activities in Somalia due to security concerns.

2019

Activities resume

Resumption of activities in Somalia.

Insider Tips

What Somalia is known for

Population

15.6M

Somalia is home to 15.6 million people according to the World Population Review. The three main languages spoken in the country are Somali, English and Arabic.

Longest Coastline

3,333KM

Somalia holds the title of the longest coastline in mainland Africa that spans 3,333 kilometres in length. And most of the coastline is made up of long stretches of beautiful, clean beaches.

Pastoralism

2.3M

In Somalia, “livestock is king, and the camel is the crown jewel.” Camels are as good, or even better than money. They are used as payment in dowry negotiations and settling community disagreements. This is, perhaps, why 2.3 million people in Somalia are pastoralists.

Religion

99%

99% of the population in Somalia practice Islam and a lot of mosques dot the country’s landscape. Call for prayers can be heard in every town.

Humanitarian Needs

Protracted conflict and climatic shocks

Somalia has been severely affected by protracted conflict and violence. The recurrent armed clashes, coupled with seasonal flooding and drought have led to a humanitarian crisis affecting millions of people.
The violence in the country has corroded Somalia’s health care system and created a breeding ground for diseases and malnutrition. At the same time, the recurring climatic shocks have severely affected both farming and pastoralist communities. This protracted conflict, coupled with a cycle of flooding and drought, continues to raise fears of a repeat of the 2011 famine crisis that rocked the country.
Despite being the least responsible for climate change, five of the 20 countries most vulnerable to its effect are in East Africa, including Somalia, which ranks first, according to data gathered by the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative.

ICRC Action

ICRC’s Humanitarian action in Somalia

The International Committee of the Red Cross works in Somalia to ensure humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. This includes promoting respect for international humanitarian law.
The ICRC takes a two-pronged approach: to deliver a quick respite to families caught up in emergencies and to build resilience within the communities. The ICRC supports four hospitals and 30 Somalia Red Crescent Society (SRCS) primary health care clinics. A key aspect of the organization’s work involves providing immediate assistance, such as food and essential household items, as well as working to restore livelihoods. The ICRC works with army officers to teach them about international humanitarian law and works with the SRCS to locate missing family members. Additionally, the ICRC and SRCS work together to provide access to clean water and educate people about hygiene awareness.

Learn more about ICRC’s humanitarian action in Somalia

ACHIEVEMENTS

Key ICRC milestones in Somalia in 2019

Health care

536,000 people benefited from primary health care clinics

Emergency assistance

263,000 people received emergency relief cash payments to meet their immediate needs

Access to water

148,000 people now have access to water from 13 mechanized water supply systems

IHL training

870 security force members were trained in international humanitarian law