UNICEF/Ismail Taxta

A health worker prepares a Covid-19 vaccine at a hospital in Mogadishu (file photo)

UN Agencies operating in Somalia have laid off about 700 staff, citing severe funding shortages. Officials say financial support from international donors has stalled, affecting funding for development and humanitarian programs, including projects previously supported by USAID.

Scores of international staff have also been affected by the reduction in the workforce. The cuts come at a time when humanitarian needs in Somalia remain critically high, raising concerns about the impact on aid delivery and ongoing development initiatives.

The funding deficit has deepened as major contributors reportedly divert funds to other global emergencies, hampering the ability of UN entities in Somalia to sustain critical operations.