The mission included a visit to Baidoa in the Southwest region of Somalia, one of the worst drought-affected areas in 2022.

“During my time in Baidoa, I met families who had to leave their homes due to conflict and extreme climate shocks. Families are stuck in a cycle of climate disasters, displacement, and a lack of nutritious food and education,” said Skau. The Somali people show incredible resilience every day. It is critical now that the government, the UN, and its partners target the most vulnerable and ensure that the right assistance reaches them on time.”

Somalia's longest drought (2020-2023) ended with floods in November 2023. The floods – by some estimates the worst in decades – affected two million people and drove 750,000 people from their homes.