Somalia is one of the countries worst hit by the current food crisis in East Africa. But because of the ongoing conflict there, aid agencies are struggling to reach those who are facing hunger with food. The UN’s World Food Programme claims that attacks on aid workers and threats to ships delivering aid are putting the lives of millions of people in danger.
Failed rains
Across East Africa, rains have failed twice in a row, leaving millions in need of aid in a region still recovering from previous droughts. The next harvest is not due for another three or four months. And if this current rainy season fails or is erratic, yet another harvest will fail and the region could plunge into a crisis of epic proportions.
In Somalia the UN has estimated that more than 2.6 million people are affected. This figure has risen by 40 per cent since January. The country is also coping with conflict and rising food prices. Conflict has forced more than 50,000 people from the capital Mogadishu in the past three months alone. The number of those in need could rise to 3.5 million by December. That is half of the population.
Tearfund appeal
Tearfund has launched an appeal for East Africa. In Somalia, we will use money raised to identify a local partner to work with, carry out the necessary assessments and plan the most appropriate response.
Please pray
Pray for wisdom and discernment for Tearfund partners and the local church as they plan and implement their emergency response.
Pray that agencies, including Tearfund partners, will find a way to respond to the crisis in Somalia, despite the conflict.
Peace is desperately needed in Somalia. Please pray that God would intervene so that the government and rebel groups might know best how to pursue peace.
Please pray that the rains due now across East Africa will be sufficient for a good harvest.
For more information about Tearfund’s response to the East Africa food crisis, or to make a donation, click here.