The school, which was officially opened in June 2006, was named after the late Abdalla Deerow Isak—a former constitutional minister and speaker of the Somali parliament—who was assassinated by terrorist groups in Baidoa.

Today, the school serves 1,578 students, all of them girls, attending both morning and afternoon classes.

According to the school principal, Maano Mohamed Nur, the aim of establishing the school was “to provide education exclusively for girls who either lacked access to education or could not afford school fees.”

Girls’ education in Somalia remains fraught with challenges, rooted in cultural, economic, and security-related issues.

Traditional social norms often prioritize boys’ education, while girls are expected to stay home, marry early, or care for household duties.

In many low-income families, school expenses—such as uniforms, learning materials, and transport—are unaffordable, and boys are given priority.

Insecurity in certain regions and the threat of violence further deter girls from attending school, particularly for internally displaced girls facing unstable conditions.

Infrastructure issues also pose a significant barrier. The school’s facilities are under strain, and the lack of separate toilets, menstrual hygiene kits, and sufficient sanitation equipment forces many adolescent girls to stay home during their periods.

NGOs previously helped fill these gaps, but that support has now dwindled.

“The NGOs used to provide hygiene kits for the girls, learning materials like white chalks, and sanitation equipment,” Principal Maano said. “But now, the NGOs are facing their own challenges, and we no longer receive the assistance we used to have.”

Sixteen-year-old Jamila Abdiwahab, now in Form Three of secondary school, must navigate these obstacles daily.

“The challenge I face is that my school is far from our house,” she said. “When it rains, the road gets flooded and full of potholes, making it impassable. On those days, I cannot go to school.”

Climate-related issues like flooding have only worsened the situation in Baidoa. Still, despite the challenges, many girls are determined to continue their education.

Fourteen-year-old Anisa Ali Hassan, also in Form Three, said, “I don’t like staying at home. Education is important. I would tell other girls that staying at home will not bring you anything. I urge you to go to school. Get an education for yourselves—it will help your family and your future.”

Another concern raised by Principal Maano is early marriage, which continues to be a major barrier for girls’ education in Somalia.

“When a girl is educated, she benefits herself, her family, her parents, and the entire country,” Maano said. “An educated girl represents an educated whole society. If a girl receives an education, she influences the entire community.”

In Baidoa, some young women drop out of school after early marriages end in divorce or abandonment, leaving them with children and no support.

This situation leads many to feel hopeless or isolated. But Maano emphasized that it’s never too late to return to school.

“Even if a man once deceived you into early marriage, and now you have one or two children and have been left alone—you can still learn,” she said.

“No one is too old to learn. Education is not about age; it’s about your desire. Education is open and free for you. Come to Abdalla Deerow School—we welcome and support every girl who wants to learn.”

The post As Aid Dries Up, Baidoa’s All-Girls School Fights to Keep Doors Open for Somalia’s Future Women Leaders appeared first on Kaab TV.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families, colleagues, and communities of those who were killed while working to assist others in desperate need,” the coalition said in a joint statement.

The attack occurred on Monday night near the town of El Koma in North Darfur province, as the convoy was en route to the city of El Fasher.

The United Nations confirmed the deaths and the destruction of several aid trucks.

According to UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, the convoy — a joint operation by the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF — consisted of 15 trucks and had traveled more than 1,800 kilometers from Port Sudan, carrying vital nutrition and food supplies.

“This horrendous act of violence is devastating,” Dujarric told reporters at a press briefing in New York on Tuesday.

“Multiple trucks were burned, and critical humanitarian supplies were destroyed. This was the first UN humanitarian convoy that was going to make it to El Fasher in over a year.”

The UN said negotiations were underway with local authorities to ensure safe passage to El Fasher when the attack occurred.

The perpetrators of the assault remain unidentified, and Sudan’s rival factions are trading blame.

The ALPS coalition emphasized that attacks on civilians, aid workers, and humanitarian assets constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law.

“We urgently reiterate the need for full respect of international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel,” the statement read. “We call on all parties to allow and facilitate unhindered humanitarian access to people in need.”

Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal civil war since April 2023, when conflict broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The war has displaced millions and has been marked by widespread atrocities, including ethnic violence and mass sexual violence, particularly in Darfur.

The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with large parts of the population now dependent on aid for survival.

The post U.S., UAE, Switzerland, and Others Condemn Deadly Attack on UN Humanitarian Convoy in Sudan appeared first on Kaab TV.

The Banadir Regional Administration confirmed that 11 of the fatalities occurred in Mogadishu, where heavy rainfall on May 9–10 led to widespread damage.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that more than 84,000 people have been affected nationwide, though some areas remain dry—particularly in Puntland and Somaliland—where drought conditions continue to impact pasture and water availability.

In Mogadishu’s Kahda and Daynile districts, assessments by the Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) Cluster found that flash floods affected over 3,810 households (approximately 22,500 people), displacing 430 households (2,580 people).

Six major roads in the capital were submerged, operations at the international airport were briefly suspended, and key humanitarian supplies were at risk after a storage container for an international agency was partially submerged.

In addition to Mogadishu, movement and logistics have been disrupted along key supply corridors in Belet Weyne, Baidoa, Doolow, and the Mogadishu–Kismayo coastal road.

Hirshabelle State: Flood Emergency in Middle Shabelle and Hiraan

On May 12, heavy downpours in Middle Shabelle and Hiraan regions triggered flash floods in Jowhar and Balcad districts.

According to the UNHCR Protection and Solutions Monitoring Network (PSMN), approximately 16,200 people in Jowhar were impacted, including displaced persons whose shelters and sanitation facilities were destroyed.

On May 16, the Shabelle River overflowed in Baarey village, flooding farmland and prompting new displacement in nearby Lebiga and Xaanshooley villages.

The Hirshabelle State authorities said floods displaced at least 1,450 households (8,700 people) in Jowhar IDP camps and another 620 households (3,720 people) in Balcad.

The overflowing Shabelle River also cut off the road connecting Xawaadley to Jowhar and Balcad, forcing hundreds of families to flee to Xawaadley town.

Galmudug State: Lightning Strike and Health Concerns

Moderate rains fell on May 9 in Dhuusamarreeb and Cabudwaaq. A lightning strike in Cabudwaaq’s main market reportedly killed a woman and injured two others.

Another fatality was reported in Qaansole village near Dhuusamarreeb.

Health officials at Gaalkacyo South Referral Hospital have recorded a rise in suspected Acute Watery Diarrhoea (AWD)/cholera cases, with 22 patients currently admitted.

Jubaland State: Shelter Damage and Displacement

In Baardheere district, heavy rains on May 5 damaged shelters in 54 IDP sites. In Buurdhuubo, local authorities and humanitarian partners reported that 3,740 households were affected, with shelters of over 2,000 households severely damaged.

Some displaced families have sought refuge with host communities.

Puntland State: Localized Floods, Widespread Drought

While most of Puntland remains dry, flash floods in mid-April affected 27,000 people in Bari and Nugaal regions.

The flooding subsided within days, and most affected residents have returned to normal life.

Light rains have since been received, providing limited relief for nomadic pastoralist communities that make up over 70 percent of the region’s population.

Somaliland: Limited and Uneven Rainfall

Partners report that rains in Somaliland have been minimal and below normal. While Hargeisa received moderate rains in early May, no precipitation has been recorded since May 13.

The ongoing dry conditions, particularly in Awdal region, continue to impact pastoralist livelihoods.

South West State: Rising River Levels and Flood Threat

The Shabelle River has reached critical levels in Afgooye district, posing a high risk of flooding.

Already, 273 households in surrounding villages such as Balguri, Aaytire, Damaley, Raqayle, and Siigaale have been affected. In Baidoa, flash floods since mid-April have impacted internally displaced persons in 78 sites, with at least 760 households (3,193 people) affected.

Banadir Region: Infrastructure Damage and Urgent Humanitarian Needs

The Banadir Regional Administration reported extensive damage from the recent floods in Mogadishu, including the submergence of at least 200 houses and damage to nine roads.

Officials have issued an urgent appeal for humanitarian assistance for displaced and affected communities.

According to the FAO Somalia Water and Land Information Management (SWALIM) unit, rainfall is expected to decrease in the coming days, with only light showers forecasted for Lower Juba, Hiraan, and Mudug.

Most of Puntland, Somaliland, and parts of central and southern Somalia are expected to remain dry.

Despite the destruction, the rains have improved water and pasture availability in many areas, boosting agricultural activity and providing much-needed relief from prolonged dry conditions.

However, humanitarian partners warn that immediate support is critical for those displaced or affected by the flooding.

–

(With additional information from UNOCHA, FAO and UNHCR)

The post Climate Impact Deepens in Somalia with Deadly Flooding and Displacement appeared first on Kaab TV.

Liban Aw-Khalif, Director of Water Management at the ministry, told Kaab TV that some residents in the hardest-hit areas have begun to flee their homes due to the crisis.

“Burhakaba is among the worst-affected areas, where a single barrel of water [200 litres] now costs over $7—an amount beyond the reach of many families,” he said.

Somalia is still grappling with the aftermath of the devastating 2020–2023 drought and the severe floods of late 2023 and mid-2024.

However, experts warn that the country may be heading toward yet another prolonged dry spell.

A January report by UN humanitarian agencies underscored how repeated climate shocks—coupled with decades of conflict, poverty, and governance challenges—have weakened coping mechanisms, heightened dependence on aid, and undermined resilience.

Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall driven by climate change are expected to exacerbate water scarcity, reduce agricultural productivity, and increase the frequency of extreme weather events by 2030.

According to Aw-Khalif, out of 70 water wells monitored by the ministry across South West State, many are drying up.

“In some areas, there are no wells at all. Among the 70 wells currently under our system, reports indicate that water levels are dropping, and people are losing hope,” he said.

In border towns such as Aato and Yeed, residents are crossing into Ethiopia in search of water, where high prices for water transported by trucks add to their burden.

Authorities warn that if the drought persists without urgent intervention, the crisis could escalate into a full-scale humanitarian emergency. Displacement is already rising as families struggle to secure water, while livestock losses and agricultural failures mount.

Compounding the crisis, insecurity remains a significant challenge in many parts of South West State, where Al-Shabaab militants continue to pose a threat, and ongoing clan conflicts further add to the suffering of local communities.

The post Water Shortage in South West State Threatens Lives as Wells Dry Up appeared first on Kaab TV.

In an urgent humanitarian appeal, the Puntland government called on the international community, aid organizations, and UN donors to provide immediate support for those affected.

The issue was a key agenda item during the Puntland cabinet meeting held in Bosaso, where Minister Ubah Abdirashid highlighted the compounded challenges facing the region.

“Puntland is currently in a state of emergency due to the ongoing conflict with the international terrorist group ISIS,” the minister stated.

She explained that the region experienced severe drought in 2024, with below-average rainfall during the Gu and Deyr rainy seasons, leaving communities vulnerable to extreme living conditions.

Adding to these challenges, clan conflicts erupted in various areas, further destabilizing the region.

The recent military offensives against ISIS have intensified the humanitarian crisis, displacing tens of thousands of families.

“This conflict has caused massive displacement, severely affecting communities across Puntland.  Approximately 19,640 families are now in dire conditions and urgently need humanitarian aid,” Minister Ubah Abdirashid said following the cabinet meeting in Bosaso.

The minister urged international partners to step in with immediate assistance.

“We are issuing an international appeal to global organizations, UN donors, and international partners to assist us in providing emergency humanitarian relief to these displaced families,” she added.

Minister Ubah also called on Puntland’s citizens to show solidarity and support for their displaced compatriots, emphasizing the importance of community-driven efforts during these challenging times.

The post Over 19,000 Families Displaced in Puntland Amid Conflict with ISIS – Minister appeared first on Kaab TV.

Thousands of families have been displaced as the military campaign intensifies, forcing locals to flee their homes.

According to government reports, over 19,640 families have been uprooted by the counter-terrorism operation, which was launched in late December under the codename “Operation Hillaac.”

The operation aims to dismantle ISIS strongholds in the Cal Miskaad Mountains, a rugged and remote area in northeastern Somalia.

On Thursday, the Puntland Cabinet convened in the port town of Bosaso, where President Said Abdullahi Deni has been personally overseeing the campaign.

The meeting resulted in an urgent appeal to humanitarian aid groups and international partners involved in stabilization efforts.

Interior Minister Abdi Farah Said called on United Nations agencies and other international partners to provide immediate assistance to displaced families and communities affected by the conflict.

“We are particularly appealing to UN agencies to provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the ongoing operation. Additionally, we urge agencies involved in stabilization projects, such as USAID, to assist communities in the liberated areas,” said Minister Abdi Farah.

The minister emphasized the need for essential services in the areas cleared of militants, including education, healthcare, water, and roads.

“These services will enable displaced locals to resume their livelihoods and allow the government to ensure their safety once they return,” he added.

So far, 19,640 families have fled their homes

His appeal was echoed by Ubah Abdirashid Mohamed Hirsi, Puntland’s Minister of Humanitarian Management, who confirmed the staggering displacement numbers.

“So far, 19,640 families have fled their homes and are in desperate need of emergency support. Poor rainfall last year compounded the difficulties these families were already facing, and now this displacement has worsened their situation,” she said.

The Minister of Information, Mohamud Aideed Dirir, praised the progress made by Puntland Security Forces (PSF), despite limited resources.

“The counter-ISIS operation, which we initially projected to take months, has achieved remarkable success in just a few weeks. ISIS fighters are on the run, abandoning their positions, and Puntland forces are pursuing them in the remote mountains,” he stated.

Dirir commended local communities for their role in providing intelligence that has been instrumental in tracking the militants.

On Thursday, Puntland forces reportedly seized key ISIS bases, including training camps and storage facilities for food and fuel.

Among the captured items were documents belonging to a Saudi national suspected to be a financier of the group, who fled the area before the forces arrived.

The conflict escalated on December 31, when ISIS carried out a car bomb attack on a Puntland army base in Dharjaalle.

The explosion killed 12 foreign militants, including individuals from Tanzania, Tunisia, Morocco, Ethiopia, and Comoros, alongside Somali fighters.

Though smaller in scale compared to al-Shabaab, ISIS-Somalia remains a significant threat in the region.

The group, which has been active in Puntland since 2015, is led by Abdulqadir Mumin, a former al-Shabaab commander who pledged allegiance to ISIS.

Operating primarily in the Golis Mountains, ISIS-Somalia has conducted assassinations and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks.

Puntland’s strategic location along the Gulf of Aden and near the Red Sea makes it a critical hub for international maritime trade, but it also attracts militant groups exploiting the area for smuggling and other illicit activities.

The post Puntland Appeals for Urgent Aid Amid Military Operations Against ISIS appeared first on Kaab TV.

Despite this, there are internal efforts aimed at providing relief to those in need.

So, what role can Somali women play in addressing this crisis?

In today’s Kaab TV podcast, we speak with Safiya Mohamed, the secretary of Somali Health Professionals—a group of local women voluntarily working to provide lifesaving support to women and children in several IDPs within and outside Mogadishu.

We explore the crucial role Somali women are playing in addressing this crisis and their impact on vulnerable communities.

The post Kaab TV Podcast: Women’s Role in Somalia Humanitarian Crisis appeared first on Kaab TV.