Several United Nations (UN) agencies operating in Garowe have laid off a significant number of their staff, with the downsizing primarily affecting security guards and sanitation workers stationed at UN compounds.
UNICEF has been the most impacted agency, having terminated a large portion of its local workforce, according to a reliable source within the organization who spoke to HOL on condition of anonymity. Those laid off were formally informed that their employment contracts had been canceled, with the terminations taking effect in May. Most of those affected are guards at UNICEF’s main compound in Garowe, along with cleaning staff and other low-level workers.
This decision follows a sharp reduction in financial support from the United States government. UNICEF has projected a minimum 20% cut in its 2026 budget compared to 2024, due to a general decline in international funding—especially from the U.S.
In 2024, the United States was UNICEF’s largest donor, contributing over $800 million. However, policy shifts introduced during former President Donald Trump’s administration have led to steep reductions in humanitarian aid, directly impacting UNICEF’s operations in Somalia.
There are growing concerns that further layoffs may occur before the end of the year unless urgent solutions are found to address the agency’s financial shortfall.
