Understanding Somalia’s Famine
Somalia is currently facing an impending famine, exasperated by poor governance and the ugly reality of climate change. Found in the horn of Africa, Somalia continues to suffer from the 40-year drought in which unsuccessful rains have killed people’s livestock and ruined their crops. Current conditions continue to deteriorate and remain comparable to Somalia’s 2011 drought in which almost 250,000 people lost their lives. A spokesperson for UNICEF has said that in Somalia, one Somali child is treated for medical malnutrition every minute. Yet, the international community has failed to appropriately acknowledge a nationwide famine in 2022.
For a specific region to be declared a famine, over 20% of the region’s population should suffer from extreme food shortages. In addition to this, 30% of children must suffer from acute malnutrition. While humanitarian agencies can warn of an impending famine, only government and UN agencies are able to officially declare it. This has been a problem for Somali officials, who have avoided using the ‘F-word’. While the Somali government has acknowledged the effects of the climate crisis on its constituents, government officials fear that declaring a widespread famine would deter foreign aid investment and rather prompt an emergency response. However, how can a dying population develop its economy? Local aid workers have frustratingly asked this question, urgently calling for the government to acknowledge the nation’s widespread hunger.
The causes of famine are complex and detailed. The World Food programme notes the intersectionality between the causes of famine, whether it be climate crisis or conflict or hunger. In the case of Somalia, the recent COVID-19 pandemic in addition to the war in Ukraine has spiked food prices - making it nearly impossible to purchase food. However, it is not only the climate and increased food prices that may result in famine. In Somalia, conflict and poor governance have assisted in creating famine-like conditions. The political instability caused by the insurgency of Islamic extremist groups like Al-Shahab, continues to exacerbate already worsening conditions.
The extremist group uses suicide bombs and recruits children to join their mission, preventing United States relief assistance and response from reaching the declining and worst-hit areas. While Al-Shahab has been a formidable opponent for pro-government officials, they are not exempt from drought and famine. Al-Shahab’s own fighters have suffered from lack of food and dehydration and, in turn, they have benefitted from the aid they fight against.
While the relief provided by humanitarian aid have been greater than that recieved in 2011, it is of extreme importance that further steps be taken in preventing the deterioration of an already dire situation. A multi-sectoral response is needed, providing clean water, medical tools as well as access to food packages for all in drought-stricken areas. The international community, including UN member states and agencies, must increase their humanitarian aid as part of their agreement to the United Nations emergency response programme. An immediate cessation of all conflict must occur to ensure that aid reaches the necessary areas. The Somali government has an obligation to its people, not to foreign investors. In an ever-globalised and modernised world, famine should not exist in 2022.