A round-up of activities of the UN system in Somalia in May 2025

Maritime Security | UNTMIS marks key role of women in Somali maritime sector

UNTMIS joined Somalia’s maritime sector in celebrating the International Day for Women in Maritime at an event in Mogadishu.  The event highlighted the important role women play in developing Somalia’s sea-based industries, along with the need for greater female participation.  

In 2023, the Federal Government of Somalia, with UN support, launched the Women in the Maritime Sector (WiMS) National Action Plan, which aims to enhance and empower Somali women in the maritime sector by increasing opportunities. The UN collaborates with the Federal Government and international partners to foster legal reform, security and capacity-building for the maritime sector.

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Protection |  UNHCR holds training for community-based protection focal points in Beletweyne

In May, UNHCR facilitated a comprehensive training for community-based protection focal points and local authorities in Beletweyne, aimed at enhancing their capacity to identify, respond to, and refer protection cases. The training covered core protection principles, safe identification and referral mechanisms, and the importance of survivor-centred approaches. Participants included representatives from government, civil society, and displaced communities, reinforcing a collaborative approach to protection. This initiative is part of UNHCR’s broader efforts to localize protection responses and ensure that those closest to affected populations are equipped to deliver timely, safe, and dignified support. Strengthening the knowledge and skills of frontline responders remains critical in addressing the evolving protection risks in displacement-affected areas.

Urban Development | IOM partners develop displacement-sensitive urban plans for Somali cities

Displacement is a major factor driving Somalia's high urbanization rate, putting pressure on cities like Baidoa. To address this, the Danwadaag Durable Solutions Consortium, led by IOM, has developed displacement-sensitive urban plans for Baardheere, Xudur, and Berdale, aiming to create interconnected and dynamic systems. These plans, emphasizing land governance, infrastructure, and integration of displaced populations, were created collaboratively with data, local authorities, and communities, aligning with national priorities and offering a phased framework for implementation.

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Food Security:  FAO and the Ministry of Livestock, Forestry & Range inaugurate fodder storage and processing centres in Dhusamareb 

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Somalia’s Federal Ministry of Livestock, Forestry and Range, in coordination with Galmudug State authorities, inaugurated five fodder storage and processing facilities in Dhusamareb. 

FAO Representative Etienne Peterschmitt officially handed over the centers to the local community in the presence of Hon. Aden Mohamed, Deputy Minister of Livestock, and Hon. Abdullahi Abdirahmaan, Galmudug Minister of Livestock, alongside state officials, community leaders and project partners. During the mission, Dr Peterschmitt also met the Galmudug Ministers for Livestock and Planning to reaffirm shared priorities for pastoralist livelihoods. The new facilities will allow herders to produce, preserve and market high-quality fodder, narrowing dry-season feed gaps and improving herd health. Delivered through FAO’s resilience programme with support from the Governments of Denmark and Canada, the initiative promotes sustainable, climate-smart livestock production across Somalia.

Health | WHO installed solar energy systems in Berbera enhancing delivery of essential health services

The World Health Organization with support from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre has installed solar powered systems across hospitals in Berbera. Frequent power outages that have been used to affect the delivery of essential services have now been addressed. The shift to solar energy is doing more than keeping the lights on; it is energizing the city’s health system by enabling uninterrupted laboratory services, safeguarding lifesaving vaccines, and strengthening the fight against measles and polio, two of Somalia’s most persistent public health threats. 

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Security | UNMAS enhance Somali Police Force (SPF) explosive ordinance disposal capability

 On 25-28 May, UNMAS delivered training on Binary Liquid Explosives (BLE) for a group of ten participants, including Somali Police Force (SPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel and representatives from The HALO Trust. BLE offers a safe and effective alternative to plastic explosives for addressing explosive threats. The three-day training aimed to strengthen participants’ knowledge and skills in the safe and effective management of BLE and enhanced the preparedness of EOD teams supporting both security operations and humanitarian mine action in Somalia. The BLE training marked a significant step in the development of a Somali-led EOD response. Through continued collaboration between the SPF, UNMAS and The HALO Trust, this initiative advances national capabilities to protect communities from the threat posed by explosive hazards and enables stabilization efforts.

Maternal Health | UNFPA Marks International Day to End Obstetric Fistula

On 28 May 2025, Somalia observed the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula under the theme "Her Health, Her Right: Shaping a Future Without Fistula." The event in Mogadishu gathered government officials, UN representatives, health professionals, civil society, and survivors. Dr. Mary Otieno, UNFPA Somalia Representative ai, highlighted obstetric fistula as a violation of women's rights, emphasizing the need to address poverty, early childbearing, and inadequate maternal care. State Minister Dr. Maryama Mohamed Hussein noted progress in expanding treatment access beyond a single hospital. Survivor Hamdi shared her journey from isolation to recovery, urging timely maternal care and community support. Despite ongoing challenges, the event underscored a collective commitment to eradicating fistula in Somalia.

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