Somali President calls for stronger African climate cooperation during Addis Ababa summit

Addis Ababa – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called on Monday for enhanced continental cooperation to address the escalating impacts of climate change, during his address at the second African Climate Summit in Addis Ababa.

In his remarks, President Mohamud highlighted Somalia's increasing vulnerability to climate shocks, despite its small contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions. He said, "Somalia bears little responsibility for causing climate change, yet we are among the countries most affected by its consequences."

He pointed to the devastating drought that struck the country between 2021 and 2023, the worst in four decades, affecting 7.8 million people, leading to mass displacement and economic hardship across the country.

The President reviewed key national climate initiatives, including Somalia’s submission of its updated Nationally Determined Contribution, the launch of the “Green Somalia Initiative” aimed at planting 10 million trees, and the establishment of a National Climate Fund to enhance environmental resilience.

Mahmoud called for collective action, urging the international community and African countries to move from dialogue to decisive, unified action. He said, "We must strengthen joint efforts to address the climate crisis, and this summit must yield tangible results across the continent.''