Main article: With Rainfall and Aid, the Number Facing Starvation in Somalia Drops by Half a Million
The famine in the Horn of Africa, especially in Somalia, has created more than just hunger. Violence and conflict have also been running rampant. Several aid workers have been kidnapped (article), close to 60 African Union peacekeepers were killed (article), troops were sent in from Kenya, Ethiopia, and other countries (article), and bomb threats have been made throughout the Horn of Africa (article).
What is necessary to ease the suffering of the people and to put an end to conflicts is rain and aid. Rain is obviously not in the government's control (even if there were a stable government...). However, accepting aid is in their control, yet the Shabab has been denying aid and have actually booted out many groups (mainly Western).
Charities had to get creative. In some instances, money was sent electronically by cellphone, and people in the areas could buy food from the local markets. Western aid groups have also partnered with groups that are still allowed in, such as Turkish and Muslim groups.
And now, the worst seems to be over. Rain has fallen in several areas, replenishing pastures, and three regions in southern Somalia are no longer declared. "famine zones." Aid groups have helped getting food in the markets and getting the prices low.
The way this famine has been addressed has been reprehensible. Thousands of people needlessly died from hunger and malnutrition. And now, conflicts between Somalia and Kenya are hampering aid relief in certain areas. Watching from the sidelines during such a catastrophe is difficult, and I applaud the organizations who ingeniously got aid into Somalia. The people should not have to suffer because of the Shabab.
This is really sad to hear because I hate hearing stories about people not getting aid. If so many people are dying, something needs to be done. The plus side is that there are some people in aid groups helping out. I agree that the people should not have to suffer because of the Shabab.
ReplyDeleteThat is crazy that they are not accepting aid. We always hear about not having enough support or not having enough money but this is ridiculous that they are just denying aid. Charities should not be wasting their time finding way to help. Countries should be more then willing to accept aid. But at least rain has fallen and helped out.
ReplyDeleteAFrica already had enough problems with this anyway, but not it is just going to get worse. It is no doubt going to start violence and kidnappings like the article mentions, this is no surprise. There have been many instances, not just in Africa but in other developing countries that when going through hard times people result to violence. This makes no sense as to why aid is being denied. It has to do with culture, but if Africa is that awful to live in one would think they would have open arms to aid workers.
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