The European Union is supporting Somalia with 63 million euros to combat hunger
The European Union has announced a new €63 million humanitarian aid package to support the most vulnerable communities in Somalia. This comes in response to the country's worsening humanitarian crisis, which stems from a complex mix of internal conflicts, mass displacement, severe droughts, and soaring prices for basic food items.
The European Union explained in an official statement that this new funding is primarily aimed at meeting the urgent needs of the population affected by the escalating food insecurity and malnutrition crisis. It is estimated that approximately 6.5 million people, equivalent to one-third of Somalia's population, are at risk of famine, while the number of children under five suffering from acute malnutrition is estimated at 1.85 million, foreshadowing a humanitarian catastrophe unless immediate and effective intervention takes place.
Dimensions of the crisis and its historical background
The scale of the current crisis in Somalia cannot be understood without considering its historical and political context. Since the collapse of the central government in 1991, the country has suffered decades of civil war and political instability, leading to the destruction of infrastructure and the disintegration of government institutions. This vacuum has provided fertile ground for the rise of extremist groups such as al-Shabaab, which still controls parts of the country and obstructs the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need, exacerbating the suffering of civilians. Furthermore, the situation is compounded by climate change, which is severely impacting the Horn of Africa, with periods of severe drought alternating with devastating floods that destroy crops and livestock, the primary source of livelihood for millions of Somalis.
The importance of support and its expected impact
At the local level, this European support represents a lifeline for millions, as it will be directed towards providing life-saving services, including emergency healthcare and nutrition, treatment for acute malnutrition, and emergency cash assistance to enable families to purchase their basic needs. The support will also include improvements to water and sanitation services, and the provision of protection and education in emergencies. At the regional and international levels, contributing to the stability of Somalia is vital to the security of the entire Horn of Africa region. Crises in Somalia lead to waves of displacement and refugees fleeing to neighboring countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia, and increase the risks of piracy and cross-border terrorism. This support underscores the European Union's commitment to its role as a major humanitarian actor on the global stage and its efforts to prevent the escalation of crises that threaten global stability.
This announcement coincides with the European Union’s participation in the “Global Leadership Roundtable” to strengthen the response to the food crisis, and follows the Somali government’s activation of the “Food Security Crisis Preparedness Plan,” reflecting a participatory approach to addressing the enormous challenges facing the country.
