31-01-2022

Cătălina Gemănari

Africa and Human Rights Researcher,

Global Human Rights Defence.

The present conditions in Somalia resemble the 2011 and 2016 famine. This is why the international community fears that a new famine is awaiting for Somalia. In 2011, 258,000 people died, while in 2016 the number decreased to 45,000 people thanks to earlier humanitarian mobilisation. Evidence shows that Somalia is facing a major food crisis, which could lead to the death of many Somali people if humanitarian help is not delivered in time. Just like in 2011, two severe rain failures, a poor grain harvest, political instability and conflict, a distracted international community can lead to a new famine. The current drought seems to be taking place in the Mandera Triangle, which includes the corners of Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya. Other affected areas include both sides of the Somalia - Kenya border and the areas in Southwest State. The potential famine is also seen in the early signs, such as migration and social mobilisation.

Sources and further reading:

Somalia may be on the verge of another famine, 8 January 2022. Al Jazeera English. https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2022/1/8/somalia-may-be-on-the-verge-of-another-famine