drought

(ERGO) – Life in North Western State of Somalia's Awdal region has never been easy, and Jama Mohamed Hassan can tell you all about it. His eyes are weary, a reflection of the tribulations his family of 17 is enduring. Their grocery business in Ruqi—a lifeline for years—recently came to a standstill. Customers who once brought vitality to his store now only leave unpaid debts, totaling a staggering $6,000 over the last 10 months. Jama's story is not just his own. Forty other shopkeepers in the region have shuttered their…

In a world interconnected by complex socio-economic forces, the closure of the UN's Southern African bureau stands as a significant decision that reverberates across continents. As we delve into this development, one cannot help but ponder the ramifications on both global and local scales. Positioned amidst an evolving diplomatic climate, the relationship between South Africa and the United States finds itself under scrutiny. At this pivotal moment, the closure of the bureau, largely funded by U.S. contributions,…

Addressing Somalia's Overlapping Crises There are times when we find ourselves confronted by crises that weave themselves together, creating challenges that are daunting yet demand immediate action. As we cast our gaze upon Somalia, this narrative of intertwined emergencies unfolds—its fragility laid bare by nature's whims and the pressure of humanitarian needs. A Warning That Cannot Be Ignored "These overlapping crises demand immediate, collective, and well-coordinated action to strengthen Somalia’s resilience and…

On a seemingly typical Monday, the United Nations relief agency issued a fervent plea for bolstered resources to combat the worsening drought crisis ravaging several regions in Somalia. To some, a drought might evoke images of a sun-baked desert, but here it embodies a looming catastrophe jeopardizing countless lives. But how did we reach this critical juncture? The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) sounded an alarm about persistently extreme dry conditions worsening the already precarious…

Bosaso (AX) – In a twist of fate both intriguing and contentious, Northeastern State's regional leaders have turned down food aid supplied by the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA). This aid was intended to assist communities beleaguered by drought and conflict in Northeastern State. However, suspicions regarding both the aid's origins and its distribution process have cast a shadow over its intended purpose. During a no-holds-barred press briefing in Bosaso on the Sabbath, Northeastern State’s…

The Emirates have once again stepped up to the plate, offering a helping hand to Somalia by sending over 700 tons of essential food aid. This shipment aims to alleviate the harsh conditions faced by numerous families caught in the throes of a relentless drought sweeping across the Horn of Africa, as highlighted by Anadolu Agency. During a heartfelt ceremony, the Somali National News Agency disclosed that the provisions were formally handed over to the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA). Notable attendees included…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a generous act of solidarity, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has come to the aid of Somalia by delivering a staggering 700 tons of food supplies. This generous donation aims to help communities severely impacted by the ongoing drought in the region. The handover ceremony took place in Mogadishu, where UAE Ambassador to Somalia Ahmed Juma Al-Rumaithi formally transferred the lifesaving supplies to Somali Disaster Management Agency (SODMA) Commissioner Mohamud Moallin Abdulle. This gesture is a testament…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a bid to tackle the drought and humanitarian challenges looming over Somalia, Mahmoud Macalin Abdulle, the top dog at the Somali National Disaster Management Authority (SODMA), convened with a United Nations entourage. The delegation was steered by George Conway, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the all-around UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia. At the heart of their pow-wow was the dry spell hitting various Somali regions,…

Recent reports from UNICEF reveal that over 420,000 children in the Amazon region are facing severe challenges due to an unprecedented drought striking much of South America. This situation is critically impacting water resources and disrupting essential river traffic, making life increasingly difficult for vulnerable communities. This extraordinary drought is particularly hard-hitting for Indigenous groups and other local populations in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, who depend heavily on waterways for transportation. The…

Families uprooted by crop failures are seeking sanctuary in makeshift camps on the fringes of Baidoa. A harsh drought in Southwest Somalia has compelled over 120 families to forsake their farms and way of life, enduring severe conditions in rudimentary shelters. Image: Radio Ergo Mogadishu (AX) — Jinay Isaaq Hassan spent her days in the quaint village of Mintaanyo, diligently working her six-hectare farm while raising her children. However, her life took a drastic turn earlier this year. The life-giving rains failed to…