The European Union has allocated 6 million euros to Somalia to strengthen emergency preparedness and support vulnerable communities, amid concerns that the El Niño climate phenomenon could significantly impact parts of Africa in 2026 and 2027.
This funding is part of a 13.5 million euro package earmarked by the European Commission for humanitarian relief and measures to mitigate the effects of climate change in countries across Eastern and Southern Africa.
In Somalia, the allocated funds will support the preparation of evacuation sites for use during disasters, the provision of emergency cash assistance, and the expansion of health and nutrition services for communities affected by adverse conditions.
Kenya will receive one million euros for disaster preparedness, shelter, cash assistance, and health and nutrition services. A similar amount has been allocated to Uganda, while the remaining 5.5 million euros will support countries in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean island nations. This move comes at a time when weather forecasts indicate the potential for a strong El Niño event, which could lead to shifts in rainfall patterns, droughts, floods, and conditions that exacerbate food shortages across many parts of the African continent.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that this weather phenomenon could reach a very intense level by the end of 2026, with its impacts potentially persisting into 2027.
Hadja Lahbib, the European Union representative responsible for crisis preparedness and management, stated that proactive measures are essential for minimizing the humanitarian toll that could result from the anticipated weather conditions.
She noted that when emerging risks can be predicted, it is necessary to take action before disasters strike, enabling communities to protect their homes, livelihoods, and food stocks.
The European Union stated that this support is part of a strategy to strengthen disaster prevention and community preparedness, rather than waiting for a severe humanitarian crisis to unfold.