Humanitarian Access Snapshot (2025)

Overview
Between January and December 2025, 179 humanitarian access incidents were reported in Somalia. This represents a 26 per cent decrease compared with the same period in 2024, when 243 incidents were recorded. The overall reduction reflects fewer reported cases of violence against humanitarian personnel and assets, interference in humanitarian activities, and restrictions affecting conflict-affected populations’ access to services, with an average decrease of around 50 per cent—largely attributable to improved coordination and sustained advocacy efforts. Incidents involving violence against humanitarian personnel, assets and facilities also declined by 34 per cent, from 67 to 44. Restrictions on the movement of personnel and goods eased by 19 per cent. These improvements sit alongside countervailing trends. Incidents linked to military operations and other hostilities increased by 68 per cent during the year, representing a higher proportion of what was reported. Environmental and physical constraints also rose by 33 per cent, driven by seasonal flooding, poor infrastructure and difficult terrain. While the total number of recorded incidents declined, the profile of constraints shifted, with conflict-related dynamics and physical access barriers becoming more prominent in specific locations. Humanitarian personnel in Somalia were not generally targeted on the basis of their humanitarian role. However, they continued to be exposed to collateral risks. One humanitarian worker was killed by a security guard following a dispute linked to job termination. Five others were injured in separate incidents related to staff recruitment and beneficiary registration processes, showing how decreases in resources are exacerbating local tensions.