Somali President Demands Climate Justice, Finance at Africa Climate Summit

ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 8, 2025 — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Monday called for urgent global climate financing and equitable action, saying Africa's vulnerability to climate change makes it impossible to separate decarbonization from development on the continent.

Speaking at the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) in Addis Ababa, Mohamud said Somalia contributes little to global greenhouse gas emissions but suffers disproportionately from climate-related disasters.

“The climate crisis is taking a heavy toll on the Somali people,” the president said, citing the prolonged drought from 2021 to 2023 that affected 7.8 million people — nearly half the population — and led to widespread food insecurity, displacement, and loss of livelihoods.

He outlined recent national initiatives, including Somalia becoming the first East African nation to submit its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), launching the "Green Somalia Initiative" to plant 10 million trees, and establishing a National Climate Fund.

Mohamud also highlighted a $100 million partnership with the Green Climate Fund launched in 2024 to bolster Somalia’s climate resilience.

Calling on the international community, he urged donors to “deliver finance at the right scale and on the right terms” and to move swiftly from promises to practical disbursements, especially through loss and damage financing for frontline countries like Somalia.

“Africa’s case is compelling and just,” Mohamud said. “Decarbonizing the global economy is inseparable from delivering development in Africa. Let this summit mark the shift from declarations to delivery — together.”

GAROWE ONLINE