Drought & Conflict in Somalia
Thursday, July 24th, 2008Drought and Conflict in Somalia: Two large issues both unnoticed by the world
By Erin Schmidt
The 2nd issue facing the country of Somalia concerns effects from the drought in the Horn of Africa. More than two million Somali citizens rely on food aid and this number is growing. The food aid, mainly from the World Food Program is reporting that total over 14.5 million people are in need of immediate humanitarian assistance throughout Somalia. World Food Program vehicles are not able to access the people because of the militias, mentioned above, overtaking roadblocks and sometimes the food itself. There is chronic insecurity in the region and millions are suffering, especially the children. Infants are all underweight and showing signs of chronic malnutrition. The rain has not come for the third year in a row, resulting in crop and land destruction. Families are being forced to flee after reduced to poverty, and many families are being wiped out completely.
It is sad to report on such atrocities especially given that the International Institute serves hundreds of clients from Somalia. It is also heartbreaking that such violence is occurring literally under the world community’s eyes. The UN is overwhelmed and unable to provide proper resources needed for current missions, yet alone future needed missions, such as in Somalia. The situation in this region is at immediate emergency level, but yet it remains “unnoticed”. Who is going to come to the aid of the country and the region? Sadly this is a question without many coming forward to answer the call.
If you would like to learn about the region or for more information please consult www.bbcnews.com where information and images for this article was taken. As well as:
http://www.sos-usa.org/pages/default.aspx

































