Somalia staring at most extensive droughts in 40 years

Somalia has faced significant challenges in recent history, including political instability, conflict, and economic hardship. However, over the past five years, the country has made great strides in rebuilding its economy and establishing relations with international financial institutions. Despite these positive developments, Somalia now finds itself in the grips of a severe drought, the most extensive in 40 years, threatening to undo the progress it has achieved. The situation has become dire, with the population facing extreme food insecurity and the risk of widespread famine looming large. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Shashwat Saraf, IRC's East Africa Emergency Director, shed light on the gravity of the crisis. Saraf highlighted that four consecutive poor rainfall seasons have plagued Somalia, with forecasts indicating that the fifth one is likely to be below average or could even fail completely. Nearly 7.8 million people, roughly half of the population, are currently grappling with severe food insecurity, facing the harsh reality of not having enough to eat, a matter of life and death. The situation is rapidly deteriorating, with the number of affected individuals increasing significantly in just a matter of weeks. Saraf emphasized the urgent need for international support to address the escalating humanitarian crisis. While some countries have started providing assistance, the response has been slow and insufficient to meet the rising needs in Somalia and neighboring countries like Ethiopia and Kenya also grappling with the drought. Saraf urged more nations to step in and ramp up their support to avert a humanitarian catastrophe. The crisis in Somalia is not new, as the country has a history of being prone to drought, experiencing major crises in the past, such as the famines in 2011 and 2017. Despite this recurring challenge, Saraf noted a concerning lack of attention and investment in long-term solutions to prevent and mitigate the impact of droughts. The fatigue stemming from successive crises, coupled with the global focus on other issues like the crisis in Afghanistan, has contributed to a delayed response and inadequate funding for Somalia's current plight. The media's lack of attention to the crisis has also hindered efforts to mobilize support and resources. Saraf emphasized the importance of ongoing investments in building resilience and sustainable solutions to help communities withstand future droughts. He underscored the need for water resource management and infrastructure development to ensure access to clean water for the population, especially those forced to flee their homes due to the drought. Additionally, investments in health and nutrition services are critical, particularly for vulnerable groups like children under five who are facing acute malnutrition. As Somalia grapples with this humanitarian crisis, the call for international solidarity and collaborative action to address the urgent needs of the population grows louder. The time to act is now, as the specter of famine looms over Somalia, threatening the lives and livelihoods of millions in the country. Governments, organizations, and investors must come together to provide the necessary support and resources to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe of staggering proportions.