“The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. We must act swiftly to provide immediate relief and support to these vulnerable communities.”

Juliet Moriku Balikowa
Oxfam Somalia Country Director

I cannot find words strong enough to express the emotions I felt during my recent visit to Baidoa. Together with a mission team led by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia, Salah Ahmed Jama comprising of SODMA, UN OCHA, WHO, IOM and national and international humanitarian aid agencies, we witnessed the devastating impact of the El Nino flash floods on this resilient town and its courageous residents. Today, I want to share with you my heartfelt reflections and implore all of us to take immediate action.

As we drove through a forlorn Baidoa and struggled to access the internally displaced persons (IDPs), the scars of both climate change and conflict were strikingly visible. The relentless droughts and flash floods have pushed this community and many other communities across Somalia to the brink of despair. With heavy hearts, we trudged through the muddy terrain, realizing that our struggle to reach the affected people was nothing compared to the struggles they face every single day.

I had the privilege of listening to the stories of the brave individuals, children, women and the elderly, who call Baidoa home. Their voices echoed the despair and desperation that come from being the least responsible for global warming, yet bearing the harshest consequences. These resilient souls, who contribute the least to climate change, are paying the maximum price.

Baidoa stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate justice. Baidoa's resilient community deserves justice for the disproportionate suffering they endure due to climate change. It is time to raise our voices in solidarity and demand that their rights be recognized and protected. It is a cruel irony that those who contribute the least to global warming are the ones who face the harshest consequences. This injustice must be acknowledged, and we must work toward equitable solutions that alleviate their plight.

The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. We must act swiftly to provide immediate relief and support to these vulnerable communities. Lives are at stake, and every moment counts. Let us join hands to advocate for climate justice and demand equitable solutions for those affected by climate-related disasters. Together, we can amplify our impact and make a difference in the lives of the resilient Somali people. 

The road to recovery may be long, but we must commit ourselves to rebuilding the shattered lives of the affected communities and strengthening their livelihoods and resilience to climate change. By providing them with the necessary resources and support, we can restore hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It is our collective responsibility to stand in solidarity with all affected communities and ensure they receive the assistance, justice, and hope they so desperately need and deserve.

My visit to Baidoa has left an indelible mark on my soul.. We must confront the climate crisis and stand up for those who suffer the most. Let us demand justice, support, and a better future for communities everywhere that bear the brunt of climate change.

I urge each and every one of you to lend your voice, your actions, and your resources to support the people of Baidoa and Somali people in general. We must pressure governments and donors to urgently release the necessary funds to provide life-saving assistance and rehabilitation. Together, we can rewrite their story and ensure that they receive the assistance, justice, and hope they so desperately need and deserve.