Somalia - Humanitarian Access Snapshot (Q1 - January - March 2026)

Overview

In the first quarter of 2026, 53 humanitarian access incidents were reported across Somalia, above the 2025 quarterly average of 45. February accounted for the highest share of incidents (47 per cent), with Bay, Awdal, Hiraan, Middle Shabelle, and Lower Jubba reporting the highest figures, largely due to concentrated hostilities. Conflict remained the primary driver of access constraints, with incidents increasing by approximately 87 per cent compared to the 2025 quarterly average, mainly due to inter-clan violence (notably in Awdal), political and election-related tensions (in Bay and Bakool), and ongoing military operations involving government forces and Non-State Armed Groups (NSAGs) across multiple regions. Violence against humanitarian personnel and assets, as well as administrative impediments affecting timely delivery also remained significant, together accounting for 34 per cent of reported incidents during the quarter. Overall, persistent insecurity, violence against humanitarian personnel and assets and undue interference continued to constrain humanitarian operations. These were compounded by the broader impacts of the ongoing Middle East conflict and severe drought conditions, which have further complicated prepositioning efforts and contingency planning.