Galmudug State is facing a compounded humanitarian crisis, shaped by recurrent drought, intermittent conflict, displacement, and long-standing gaps in basic services. For families across Ceel Bur District, this has translated into daily uncertainty, mounting debt, and chronic hunger.

It is within this context that Istahil Mire Wardheere’s story unfolds. Istahil is a 40-year-old married woman living in Baraag Ugaas village in Ceel Bur District. She supports a household of 13 people, including seven children under 18. Before receiving assistance, her family had no income and was categorized as very poor.

“We were suffering a lot,” Istahil explained. “Food was our biggest problem.”

The Centre for Peace and Democracy (CPD) implemented the Integrated Multi-Sectoral Emergency Intervention, prioritizing Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA). A total of 187 conflict-affected households across Ceel Bur and Hobyo districts were targeted for two months of MPCA. Istahil’s household received both instalments on 2 February and 24 February 2026.

“Our situation has become very good,” she said. “We received the MPCA for two months.”

The cash allowed her to address multiple urgent needs at once. First, she bought enough food to ensure her family could eat regularly again. She then used part of the cash to pay outstanding debts, reducing pressure from shopkeepers and stopping the cycle of borrowing. She also purchased powdered milk for the children and ensured the household could afford clean water. For the first time in a long period, Istahil was able to buy clothes for the children.

“These are things we could not afford before,” she said. “We used the money to buy more of what we needed. Our life has improved significantly. We thank God.”

After receiving the two instalments, she described her household’s overall situation as “much better.” The assistance stabilized food access, reduced stress, and allowed the family to breathe again.

Yet her story is not fully recovery.

“The drought situation has gotten worse,” she said quietly. “We are becoming more vulnerable because of it.”

For households that rely almost entirely on purchasing food, the absence of cash quickly translates back into hunger.

“Two months of MPCA were not enough,” Istahil explained. “If we don’t get more support, we will go back to the same situation.”

Istahil expressed gratitude for the assistance she received and a clear request for what is still needed.

“We ask CPD and DKH to support us more or advocate for us,” she said.

She consented to share her story, hoping to illustrate both the impact of timely support and the risks faced when such support cannot be sustained. Istahil’s story reflects a stark truth: cash assistance works, but without sustained funding, families who briefly step back from hunger risk being pushed there again.

“Istaahil, a mother living in Baraag Ugaas village in Ceelbuur District, speaking to the CPD assessment team in Elbuur District.”