Bridging Security and Climate Adaptation: A Path to Conflict Prevention in Somalia
By Helen Olafsdottir
Somalia, a nation grappling with decades of conflict, now faces the added burden of climate change. Recurring droughts, rising temperatures, and unpredictable weather patterns have intensified resource scarcity, driving many into displacement and further destabilizing already vulnerable communities. As competition for limited resources like water and arable land is growing, tensions between communities are increasing, fueling conflict, and contributing to the overall insecurity in the region. This delicate balance between environment and conflict was a central theme of recent high-level conference hosted by the Government of Somalia supported by UNDP, in Mogadishu on September 9, 2024, titled: ´Security and Climate Change: Preparing the Security Sector for Future Challenges´. Experts emphasized how climate change worsens existing vulnerabilities in Somalia, undermining efforts to stabilize the country. In particular, the discussions focused on how climate-related displacement and food insecurity make populations more susceptible to extremist groups, which exploit these hardships to recruit members.
There is an increasing realization that the security sector has been absent from crucial discussions around climate change risks and adaptation efforts in Somalia. While climate change has long been recognized as a driver of conflict and instability in Somalia —through its impacts on resource scarcity, displacement, and livelihood disruption—the security institutions have not been included in conversations around climate change. Historically, climate change has been viewed primarily as an environmental or humanitarian issue, leaving the security sector out of strategic planning and risk mitigation efforts. However, the evolving nature of threats linked to climate shocks, such as violent extremism and localized conflicts, has made it clear that security forces must play a more active role in responding to and preventing climate-induced risks. This shift is now being acknowledged, as stakeholders call for stronger coordination between environmental and security actors to ensure a comprehensive, resilient approach to Somalia’s future challenges.
The conference which was the first of its kind brought together senior officials from Somalia’s government from the federal and Federal Member States, the United Nations, international partners and local organizations to address the urgent question: How can Somalia’s security sector respond to the growing challenges posed by climate change? With the country’s security increasingly undermined by climate-induced risks, this dialogue came at a pivotal moment for Somalia's future.
The event opened with remarks from prominent figures such as Hussein Sheikh Ali, Somalia’s National Security Advisor, and H.E. Amb Khadija Almakhzoumi, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. These speakers underscored the urgency of addressing the intersection between climate change and security, highlighting Somalia's acute vulnerability to droughts, floods, and the exacerbation of violent extremism due to environmental instability. The keynote speech by Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Salah Ahmed Jama emphasized both immediate and long-term actions to ensure that climate risks are systematically integrated into the national security agenda. Christopher Laker, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP underlined how UNDP’s efforts focus on enhancing the resilience of communities, particularly those most at risk.
Key Takeaways from the Conference
Climate Change as a Threat Multiplier:
One of the core insights was that climate change acts as a "threat multiplier." While it may not directly cause conflict, it worsens existing tensions and undermines development. In Somalia, extreme weather events have led to mass displacements, with an estimated 3.8 million Somalis currently in need of humanitarian aid due to climate-related factors.
Building Resilient Communities:
Another key takeaway was the importance of building resilience at the community level. By strengthening local abilities from the Federal Member States governments all the way down the communities to adapt to climate change—through sustainable agricultural practices, improved water management, and early warning systems—Somalia can begin to mitigate the impacts of environmental changes and reduce the risk of conflict.
The Role of International Collaboration:
International cooperation is crucial in addressing these intertwined issues. At the conference, representatives from various international organizations stressed the need for coordinated global support to help Somalia adapt to climate change while simultaneously addressing security concerns. This includes funding for climate resilience projects, peacebuilding initiatives, and humanitarian aid.
Looking Ahead
The conference underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy that addresses both security and climate change in Somalia. As these two challenges become increasingly intertwined, any sustainable solution must consider their interconnected nature. The way forward requires not just national and local engagement, but also continued international collaboration and support.
The intersection of security and climate change in Somalia presents a complex and multifaceted challenge. However, with the collective efforts of local communities, FMS and national leadership, and the international community, there is hope that meaningful progress can be made. This conference was a major step in the right direction, and I look forward to seeing how the ideas discussed will translate into action in the months and years to come. As the conference concluded, a clear and urgent message appeared: Somalia’s security sector must adapt swiftly to the realities of climate change. Cross-sector collaboration, enhanced ability building, and embedding climate risks into national and local security strategies were highlighted as essential steps in ensuring Somalia’s stability. The conference ended with commitments from stakeholders to prioritize the integration of climate-security considerations in all future national security planning efforts.
This event has certainly sparked new discussions, and there is optimism that the solutions proposed, the willingness to integrate climate change and security will pave the way for a more stable and resilient Somalia. As we move forward, it’s critical to keep these conversations going and ensure that actions follow the insightful dialogues shared during the conference.
Helen Olafsdottir is Chief Technical Advisor on Security Sector Reform with UNDP Somalia. Read more about UNDP Somalia at www.undp.org/somalia
