Members of the Intergovernmental Development Bureau, a regional block that includes Dibuchi, Eritria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda, meet in Nairobi on Tuesday. did. Discuss local humanitarian, political, and security issues.
The humanitarian situation of more than 23 million people who destabilized food in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia was the central stage at IGAD's 39th State and Government Conference. Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta said countries in the region need to fight the drought situation.
"The worst drought in 40 years has increased food insecurity, depleted water resources, forced people out, and increased tensions that could lead to new conflicts," Kenyatta said. Said. “We need to urgently manage before drought becomes a threat multiplier.”
In some parts of the region, there are millions of four consecutive seasons without rain. People are forced to move in search of food, water and pastures. Sudanese leader Abdel Fatta Albahan said that drought has a major impact on the community and people's lives.
"If we don't deal with the drought situation, it will be the worst in 40 years," the leader said. "The drought is killing our people and livestock. The drought is also the reason for our development."
Experts predict that it may not rain in the area between October and December. Amina Abdulla is the regional director of the Horn of Africa at Concern Worldwide, an Irish humanitarian institution. She recently warned that without urgent humanitarian assistance to millions of people, the area is at risk of losing 350,000 children to starvation. In Somalia, eight regions are at risk of starvation, and at least 200,000 children have died from malnutrition since January.
Climate change and conflict are also due to food insecurity in the region. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union, has assured IGAD members of Block's support for mitigating the effects of drought.
"There are concerns about a more complex humanitarian situation due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the droughts experienced in many parts of the region, which the African Union is jointly responsible for with African solidarity. I pledge, "said Adeoe. "Today, it is all of us who continue to fight the obvious effects of global climate change. The African Union mobilizes African and international partners to combat this tragedy and promote sustainable growth and development.
Humanitarian agencies estimate that 5 million children in the Horn of Africa region are malnourished and 30% are experiencing severe malnutrition. increase. Henriette Geiger, Kenya's ambassador to the European Union, told IGAD leaders that efforts are being made to obtain the coveted food from Ukraine.
"The security situation in this area is exacerbated by the unprecedented drought in Horn and the Russian invasion that caused the global food crisis," Geiger said. "In Europe, we are working with the United Nations to transport grain from Ukraine and the European Union. Member states have recently been working here in Africa to strengthen their food system and resilience with € 630 million (648,800). We promised more than $ 10,000. "
The United Nations states that it will need at least $ 4.4 billion to provide support until next month. However, donor support is below target.