Somali Observatory for Humanitarian Affairs The Voice of Reality.. The Eye of Humanitarian Truth in Somalia
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Within the framework of an integrated humanitarian response for the holy month of Ramadan, Life for Relief and Development launched its 33rd global campaign, issuing an urgent appeal for institutional solidarity to assist 4.6 million Somalis—a quarter of the population—facing acute food insecurity.
This mobilization comes as field data indicates that 1.8 million children under five are at risk of acute malnutrition due to recurring droughts, conflict, displacement, and rising food prices, while food insecurity in urban Somaliland has surpassed 50% among low-income households.
Over three decades, “Life” has continued its mission to meet basic needs, successfully distributing 6 million meals through 16,000 integrated food baskets and providing 51,000 hot meals, reaching 97,000 fasters in 37 countries of the 60 countries where it implements sustainable projects.
Mr. Nasser Ibrahim, Life’s Project Coordinator in Somalia, highlighted the suffering, noting that women and children are most vulnerable. In Mogadishu, the foundation targeted 2,270 families—including 170 orphan-led households—with 50kg integrated food baskets to alleviate persistent hunger.
Operations extended to Somaliland, providing hot meals for 613 families. Mr. Omar Mamdouh, Director of the Project Department, affirmed that teams will intensify their presence in remote areas at risk of famine according to UN indicators, ensuring solidarity through feeding projects and Iftar events.
The Director of the Project Department’s operational vision includes orphan sponsorship, distributing Eid clothes and gifts, and directing Zakat and charities to those eligible. This seeks to achieve living stability and bolster resilience in areas neglected by other charitable organizations.
Ms. Vicki Robb, Director of International Programs, emphasized “Life’s” commitment to intensifying feeding projects in shelters and war zones, from the Afghan-Pakistan borders to Sudan, Gaza, and Lebanon, noting the organization’s unique ability to reach “silent poverty” zones in Somalia and Southeast Asia.
The Director of International Programs reviewed logistical challenges, including navigating floods in Bangladesh by boat, using horses in Afghanistan, and delivering meals on foot in Gaza and Sudan, while traveling for days in Tanzania to ensure aid delivery before Ramadan begins.
These efforts culminated in Life for Relief and Development being ranked among the top ten global relief institutions, securing third place internationally for its impact in fighting poverty and hunger, according to accredited international reports for 2026.
The report concluded that sustainable relief work requires a shift in coordination mechanisms to mitigate funding deficits. Such initiatives are vital for saving lives and providing essential needs to prevent a comprehensive humanitarian catastrophe amid current geopolitical challenges.
Through this comprehensive campaign, the foundation seeks to transform seasonal aid into bridges of sustainable human connection, ensuring the restoration of dignity for affected families and enabling them to overcome crises, reaffirming its mission to combat hunger and poverty.
Life’s 33rd campaign embodies the philosophy of “Human Dignity Above All.” Linking emergency relief with access to forgotten areas represents the primary defense against famine in the Horn of Africa. According to observers, the foundation’s success in maintaining its international leadership and advanced ranking reflects field management efficiency and a noble mission, positioning its interventions as a cornerstone for community resilience.
