Somalia’s Citizens Still in Dire Need of Aid as Famine Follows Deadly Drought

By Emily Thomspson

Somalia is currently facing a massive famine after the worst drought in decades which reportedly may have killed as many as 43,000 people last year – half of them children under the age of five, according to a report released by the government and United Nations agencies. According to the UN, half of Somalia’s population will need humanitarian assistance this year, with 8.3 million people affected by the drought. The drought has displaced 1.4 million Somalis – with women and children making up 80 per cent of these people. Food prices are rising and aggravating hunger and malnutrition.

During a joint news briefing with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on his visit to the country, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed for “massive international support” for Somalia and told reporters in the capital Mogadishu that he was in Somalia “to ring the alarm” on the country’s need for significant international support.

But Guterres also parroted leftist talking points on climate change when he said “Although Somalis make virtually no contribution to climate change, the Somalis are among the greatest victims.”

The problem is there is no evidence to suggest the drought in Somalia is a result of climate change. It is important to note that Somalia’s drought is a complex issue with various contributing factors, and while some believe climate change plays a role, it certainly is not the sole cause.

There are several factors that have contributed to Somalia’s ongoing drought, including cyclical weather patterns, overgrazing, deforestation, and political instability, among others. Somalia is a country that has historically experienced periods of drought, and these cycles of drought and recovery are part of the natural climate variability in the region.

Furthermore, Somalia has faced significant challenges in recent decades, including political instability, conflict, and environmental degradation. These are all more crucial and pressing issues that require far more attention than the distraction of dealing with climate change.

Somalia’s government can resolve many of the country’s issues by focusing on the true and pressing issues and not on leftist ideals propagated by the UN’s misguided chief. There are several ways that Somalia can create stabilization and development and build a brighter future for its citizens.

One key area for Somalia is building effective and accountable governance structures. This involves creating stable and functional institutions at the national and local levels, providing basic services like health care and education, and promoting the rule of law. Effective governance is essential for building stability and creating an environment that encourages investment and economic growth.

Another critical area for Somalia is investing in its people. This means providing access to education, health care, and other basic services that can help lift people out of poverty and create opportunities for economic advancement. Investing in women and girls is particularly important, as they have historically been excluded from many aspects of Somali society.

Addressing environmental challenges is also essential for Somalia’s stability and development. This includes addressing deforestation, desertification, and overgrazing, which can contribute to drought and food insecurity. Investing in sustainable agriculture practices and promoting renewable energy sources can help mitigate these environmental challenges and create a more resilient society.

International cooperation and support are crucial for Somalia’s stabilization and development. This includes supporting the Somali government and civil society, investing in infrastructure and economic development, and providing humanitarian assistance when needed.

Moreover, a comprehensive and coordinated effort involving multiple stakeholders, including the government, international organizations, and civil
society, will be necessary to address food insecurity and famine in Somalia. It will require a multi-faceted approach that addresses both immediate needs and long-term solutions.

To address the immediate needs of the population, emergency food aid, water, and medical assistance should be provided quickly and efficiently to those in need. This will require a coordinated effort by the government, international organizations, and civil society to ensure that the aid is delivered to those who need it most.

In the longer term, building resilience in communities is critical to help them withstand future shocks. This can be achieved through investment in education, health care, agriculture, and infrastructure, as well as supporting local institutions and businesses. Improved agricultural practices can help farmers to grow more crops and increase food production. This can be achieved through providing better access to seeds, fertilizers, and training in improved farming techniques.

Addressing the underlying causes of conflict, promoting peace, and improving governance can also help to reduce the risk of food insecurity in Somalia. This can be achieved through improving government institutions, promoting transparency, and reducing corruption.

One of the major problems in Somalia is the Al-Shabaab terrorist group that has been active in the country for over a decade. Their activities have had a destabilizing effect on the country, leading to insecurity, displacement, and loss of life. Vanquishing Al-Shabaab will require a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach that addresses the underlying drivers of extremism while also dealing with the immediate threat posed by the group.

Somalia needs to focus on improving governance, promoting economic development, and addressing issues related to poverty and social inequality. This can be achieved through promoting education, improving access to health care, and creating job opportunities for the youth. Additionally, the government needs to ensure that it is providing effective and efficient services to its citizens, which can help to build trust and reduce the appeal of extremist groups.

Somalia also needs to focus on improving security and intelligence capabilities. This can be achieved through training and equipping security forces, strengthening border control, and improving intelligence gathering and sharing. Additionally, Somalia needs to work closely with neighboring countries and regional organizations to develop a coordinated approach to countering the group.

Another key strategy for vanquishing Al-Shabaab is to promote community engagement and dialogue by establishing community-based initiatives that help to build trust and cooperation between communities and the government. This can help to prevent radicalization and recruitment into extremist groups.

Somalia needs to work with the international community to address the root causes of extremism and terrorism by supporting programs that promote peace, stability, and economic development, as well as countering the ideological and financial support provided to extremist groups.

With these combined efforts focused on political stabilization, community building, and education, Somalia can reduce the threats of famine and drought and create a more stable and prosperous future for its people.

Image: Pixabay

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