The Somali govt warns that the govt is facing a catastrophic drought

The Prime Minister's Office issued a statement on Tuesday
(August 5) following a briefing from Special Committee
updating the Cabinet on the drought and food shortages in
the country. The statement said the drought was affecting
several regions including Gedo, Bakool, Hiran, Galgudud
and Mudug and aid, in the form of food, water and
medication, urgently needed to reach the affected
populations.
It said it anticipated that the situation would continue to
deteriorate. The Government had already allocated 500,000
dollars for drought relief and distribution of aid would start
shortly. The statement said there many challenges which
could slow down or even delay the emergency response.
These included illegal Al- Shabaab checkpoints and
"pockets of violence in certain regions". The Somali
National Army was ready to assist but it lacked the
necessary transport. The Government therefore requested
the immediate assistance of the United Nations and
AMISOM to help deliver food to the people living in regions
which have been liberated.
The Government appreciated the efforts of the many
countries and other international agencies which had
already responded to calls for assistance but it also needed
more help and called on the international community and
the United Nations to assist in the implementation of the
Somali emergency plan "in order to prevent the return of the
deadly humanitarian crisis of 2011 famine" when up to
250,000 died. Last month the UN warned that Somalia is
sliding back into an acute hunger crisis, with parts of the
capital Mogadishu facing near famine-level shortages and
aid organizations unable to meet the needs of about 350
000 displaced people there.