UN warns of severe humanitarian crisis in Somalia

The UN resident coordinator in charge of humanitarian affairs in Somalia Adam Abdelmoula [Photo: UNSOM]

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United Nations has warned of the severe humanitarian crisis in Somalia, a country that has been struggling with a host of conflicts, key among them floods, inter-clan conflicts, political differences, and Al-Shabaab menace.

For almost three decades, Somalia has struggled to build an economy that improves the lives of people, only depending on foreign aid, which at times delays when it comes to disbursements. There have been delays in recent weeks.

And now, the United Nations says the country could be headed to a severe humanitarian crisis if donors fail to intervene in town, adding that the cost of inaction could be embarrassingly devastating.

The UN resident coordinator in charge of humanitarian affairs in Somalia Adam Abdelmoula reiterated the warning during his remarks to mark World Humanitarian Day.

“The cost of inaction will be devastating. Without additional support, the fragile gains we have made thus far will be easily unraveled,” Abdelmousa said. He noted that despite the burgeoning humanitarian needs in the country, donor funding stood at only 40 percent of the 2021 target.

Recently, the UN and Somali government launched a $1.09 billion aid call at the beginning of the year as part of the annual Humanitarian Response Plan. But with only four months to go amid donor fatigue, some of the 5.9 million Somalis facing dire food shortages could be subjected to more suffering.

A bulletin issued by the UN OCHA in August, preliminary field assessments, and analysis of historical crop data suggest the 2021 Gu’ (late March-June) cereal harvest in central and southern Somalia is at least 30-40 percent below the long-term average (1995-2020).

The combined effect of COVID-19 has led to reduced household access to food and income and populations face major food consumption gaps, the report adds.

The UN official also paid tribute to humanitarian workers in Somalia noting they continue to face difficult situations including killings.

“This year alone,146 incidents impacting humanitarian operations have been recorded in Somalia. One humanitarian worker was killed, five injured, one abducted and three were detained or temporarily arrested,” Abdelmousa said noting, targeting humanitarian workers is an egregious violation of international humanitarian law.

GAROWE ONLINE