Mogadishu, Somalia — On Thursday, Somalia took a historic step toward strengthening transboundary water management and regional cooperation after the Council of Ministers approved the country’s accession to the 1992 United Nations Water Convention. The move marks a milestone in Somalia’s long-term efforts to build sustainable water governance and address growing challenges from climate change, droughts, and upstream developments.
According to the Ministry of Water, Somalia’s decision signals “a new phase” in the nation’s approach to managing its vital water resources. Joining the UN Water Convention will allow the country to align with global principles of equitable and reasonable utilization, ensuring that water is shared fairly among riparian states while protecting ecosystems and community livelihoods.
Somalia depends heavily on the Juba and Shabelle rivers, both originating from the Ethiopian Highlands, which serve as lifelines for agriculture, livestock, and domestic use in the country’s south. Over the years, fluctuating rainfall patterns and recurring droughts have intensified water scarcity, while cross-border tensions over river flows have underscored the need for formal frameworks of cooperation.
By joining the convention, Somalia seeks to strengthen diplomatic dialogue with neighboring countries, attract international support for sustainable water projects, and safeguard the livelihoods of millions who depend on its rivers. The accession also reflects the government’s broader environmental commitment under Vision 2030, which aims to restore degraded landscapes and improve resilience against climate shocks.
Experts view this step as both symbolic and practical — a sign that Somalia is moving from crisis management to long-term planning in one of the most critical sectors for its national stability and development.