Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
At the 2026 World Overflight Risk Conference in Malta, ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar warned that emerging weaponry is increasing the risk of civilian aircraft being targeted or caught in crossfire. He emphasized that operational flexibility alone cannot address the underlying security threat to airliner safety. To prevent catastrophic incidents, Salazar urged Member States to adopt three priority measures: rapid intelligence sharing to communicate threats in real time, stronger risk assessment for timely airspace closure, and improved civil-military coordination to prevent misidentification of civilian targets. ICAO is finalizing a Global Crisis Management Framework and updating safety manuals to help airlines navigate increasingly militarized skies. Salazar reminded the international community that the use of weapons against civilian aircraft is prohibited under the Chicago Convention.
In Somalia, a worsening drought driven by the climate crisis has displaced nearly 62,000 people since early 2026. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), drought-related displacement has increased by 22 percent compared to last year. Experts project that up to 125,000 more people could be displaced by June if water sources continue to dry up and livestock die. IOM's Chief of Mission for Somalia, Manuel Pereira, noted that displacement is often a last resort when water disappears and livelihoods collapse. Without rapid intervention, the crisis may deepen hunger and further uproot communities.
As pastoral and farming families lose cattle and crops, many are moving toward urban centers in search of food and water. However, these towns and cities are struggling to handle the influx. Many displaced families are settling in overcrowded informal settlements with limited access to clean water and sanitation, increasing the risk of disease. While IOM is providing emergency shelter and life-saving supplies through rapid support teams, the scale of the crisis remains a critical challenge.