ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar issued a stark warning at the 2026 World Overflight Risk Conference in Malta, highlighting the escalating danger to civilian aircraft from emerging weaponry. He stated that civilian planes face increasing risks of being targeted or caught in crossfire, urging a move beyond traditional aviation boundaries.
Mr. Salazar emphasized that while the aviation industry demonstrated resilience during recent crises, operational flexibility alone cannot address the fundamental security threats. To avert catastrophic incidents, he called on Member States to implement three priority measures: rapid intelligence sharing for real-time threat communication, enhanced risk assessment for timely airspace closure decisions, and improved civil-military coordination to prevent misidentification of civilian targets. The ICAO is developing a Global Crisis Management Framework and updating safety manuals to assist airlines in navigating increasingly militarized airspace. Salazar reminded the international community that the Chicago Convention strictly prohibits the use of weapons against civilian aircraft.
Drought Fuels Displacement Crisis in Somalia
Somalia is experiencing a severe climate crisis, which has led to the displacement of nearly 62,000 people since the beginning of the year. Drought is now the primary driver of new displacements, with drought-related movements increasing by 22 percent compared to last year, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Experts predict that an additional 125,000 people could be forced from their homes by June if the upcoming rainy season proves insufficient, as water sources dwindle and livestock perish.
Manuel Pereira, IOM Chief of Mission for Somalia, stated, “When water disappears, crops fail and livelihoods collapse, displacement becomes a last resort.” He warned that without urgent intervention, the crisis will continue to displace communities and exacerbate an already growing hunger crisis.
Urban Centers Strain Under Influx
As pastoral and farming families lose their livestock and crops, they are migrating to towns and cities in search of essential food and water. These urban areas are struggling to accommodate the growing influx of people. Consequently, many families are ending up in overcrowded informal settlements lacking adequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities, thereby increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.
While the IOM is providing emergency shelter and critical supplies through its rapid support teams, the agency cautions that the scale of the crisis is overwhelming available resources. The IOM is advocating for long-term investment in water infrastructure to enable Somalis to remain on their land and better withstand future climate shocks.
Solar Irrigation Project Enhances Food Security in Ethiopia
The World Food Programme (WFP) and the Ethiopian Government have launched a solar-powered irrigation project in the Somali Region, designed to help pastoral communities build resilience against intensifying climate shocks. The project, part of the “IFTIIN” initiative (meaning “light” or “hope” in Somali) and funded by Germany through the KfW Development Bank, is located in Gode.
This scheme utilizes water from the Shebelle River, enabling year-round farming in a region that traditionally relies on unpredictable rainfall. Zlatan Milišić, WFP Country Director, stated, “WFP’s vision in Ethiopia is to support the Government’s shift toward resilient, self-reliant food systems.” He added that the project empowers communities to “absorb climate shocks and reduce long-term reliance on humanitarian assistance.”
Investing in Local Resilience and Sustainability
The initiative supports approximately 85,000 people in the region by integrating water infrastructure with economic development programs. The project includes the construction of 17 irrigation schemes, 13 livestock ponds, and 29 dykes designed to regenerate vegetation and mitigate flood risks.
To ensure long-term sustainability, farmers are being connected directly with traders and markets, which is helping to boost family incomes and improve access to basic financial services. In the Gode area between 2024 and 2025, local farmers generated nearly $290,000 from their harvests, showcasing the transformative potential of climate-smart solutions for food security in lowland regions.
