UN Agencies in Somalia Lay Off Over 680 Employees Amid Funding Shortfalls
Ethiomonitor -Addis Ababa
December 1, 2025
In 2025, United Nations agencies in Somalia have laid off more than 680 employees, comprised of 158 international and 522 national staff. Major agencies affected include UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), along with smaller offices.
These reductions are attributed to significant funding shortages, exacerbated by declining donor support, including a halt in certain U.S. development assistance programs previously provided through USAID. Additionally, global aid reallocation towards crises in Ukraine, South Sudan, and Syria has strained resources for Somali operations.
Analysts warn that without new funding sources, the capacity of UN agencies to maintain essential humanitarian and development activities in Somalia is at serious risk.
