By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Las Anod, 17 August 2026 — A senior United Nations delegation visited Las Anod on Sunday to assess the impact of drought and humanitarian needs, highlighting both the region’s worsening crisis and the political sensitivities surrounding the disputed territory.
The delegation, led by George Conway, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia and Humanitarian Coordinator, met officials from the North East State and representatives of humanitarian organizations.
The UN said the visit focused on assessing drought-affected communities and hearing from local authorities and aid agencies on how to address needs.
“We are concerned about the cumulative impact of at least four failed rainy seasons,” Conway said, warning of growing humanitarian consequences.
He said northern Somalia has experienced below-average rainfall for about two years. Humanitarian agencies are also facing severe funding shortages, with Somalia’s humanitarian response plan only 29% funded. In Sool and Sanaag, just 26% of requirements have been met.
The funding gap, he said, is forcing agencies to prioritize people with the most urgent needs, particularly life-saving assistance.
The delegation also visited the stabilization center at Las Anod Hospital, where Conway said he saw children recovering from severe malnutrition. He warned that prolonged drought could lead to further deaths, loss of livelihoods and displacement.
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Political context
The visit drew a mixed response due to the unresolved dispute over Las Anod and parts of Sool and Sanaag.
Somaliland claims the territories. Las Anod is now the capital of North East State, a federal member state of Somalia.
Somaliland said it supports humanitarian assistance but maintains that international visits in sensitive areas should follow procedures it considers appropriate.
North East State said Acting President and Vice President Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril received the UN delegation. The administration said talks focused on strengthening cooperation with the UN to address humanitarian and development needs in areas under its administration.
The UN said its immediate priority is to provide life-saving assistance and reduce deaths, livelihood losses and displacement caused by the drought.
Analysts say the delegation’s direct engagement with North East State officials could be viewed as further international recognition of the administration within Somalia’s federal system. The UN, however, said its mission was focused solely on humanitarian needs and not on the region’s political status.