By Asha Elmi - Reporter
MOGADISHU, Somalia, September 16 2026 - Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre accused the federal government of neglecting the country’s humanitarian crisis, saying millions of people were facing hunger, malnutrition and displacement.
Khayre made the accusations in a video posted on his social media accounts on Wednesday, citing figures that he attributed to United Nations agencies.
He said 4.8 million people needed humanitarian assistance, while only 30.7% of the $852 million required for the humanitarian response had been secured.
Referring to an August report by the World Food Programme, Khayre said six million people were facing widespread hunger and food insecurity, while nearly two million children were suffering from acute malnutrition.
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He also said 205 facilities providing health and nutrition services to children had closed and that another 618 risked closure unless they received financial support.
Khayre accused the government of introducing fees at some public hospitals, including Mogadishu’s Banadir Maternity and Children Hospital. He said the charges had made healthcare unaffordable for women and children from low-income families.
The former prime minister also accused the government of failing to reduce displacement or adequately prepare for potential flooding during the coming Deyr rainy season.
Khayre called on business leaders, religious scholars, civil society groups, the Somali diaspora and international partners to support people affected by hunger, disease, malnutrition and homelessness.