Somalia

Waves of Conflict

Somalia’s people have endured violence, treachery and civil war for nearly two decades. With no central government ruling Somalia, contending warlords have been fighting for control since 1991.

More than one million Somalis are internally displaced with no shelter, food or access to clean water, according to the US Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook.  Infant mortality rates and illiteracy have skyrocketed since the violence commenced.

After setting up a field office, Islamic Relief responded promptly with aid and development projects. 

In 2007, Islamic Relief provided more than $15 million worth of medicines and medical supplies to Somalia, which benefitted hundreds of thousands of Somalis.

Despite generous support from donors, Islamic Relief requires your support to continue serving Somalia’s ailing population.  Please donate today to help Islamic Relief alleviate the suffering in Somalia.

Poverty & Natural Disasters

In addition to the civil unrest, Somalia is plagued by natural disasters which have only added to the extreme poverty that millions of Somalis endure.

Torrential rains in November and December of 2006 created the worst flooding in a half-century, ruining crops and affecting over 500,000 people.  Only two percent of Somalia’s land is suitable for farming, according to the CIA World Factbook, and drought has only exacerbated the existing food and water crisis.

Most of Somalia’s population consists of nomadic herdsmen who depend on water to sustain their livelihoods.

Violence in the region has limited the data available, but independent aid agencies agree that Somalia is enduring a horrendous humanitarian situation with millions grappling with extreme poverty and malnutrition.

Islamic Relief has been providing thousands of Somalis with humanitarian aid, food and water parcels, and shelter since 2006.  Development projects in water and sanitation, as well as the rehabilitation of schools and hospitals, have provided a glimmer of hope for Somalia’s suffering people.

Please donate today to help support Islamic Relief’s work in countries like Somalia.

Islamic Relief in Somalia

Islamic Relief has been carrying out seasonal Ramadan and Udhihyah/Qurbani meat distributions in Somalia since 1996.

Responding to a humanitarian crisis that was caused by an uproar of violence in Somalia, Islamic Relief established a permanent field office in May 2006.  The preliminary goals of the office were to implement various development projects and to alleviate the suffering of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Today, Islamic Relief’s work in Somalia is focused on improving access to water, healthcare and education for pastoral communities as well as assisting people who have fled their homes due to conflict, floods or drought.