shortages

Children in Gaza are facing a severe crisis, with officials warning that they may be weeks away from dying of thirst due to an ongoing fuel blockade. According to a spokesperson for UNICEF, James Elder, this 100-day blockade has created a dire situation where the distribution of water has been severely hindered. "You need fuel to distribute water," Elder emphasized, highlighting the devastating impact this has on the population's access to something as fundamental as water. Having just returned from Gaza, Mr. Elder…

The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued an urgent warning regarding the escalating food insecurity in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its neighboring countries. As 2024 unfolds, the consequences of heightened violence are becoming increasingly dire. The long-standing conflict has dramatically intensified this year, with M23 rebels capturing key cities such as Goma in North Kivu and Bukavu in South Kivu. These developments have not only exacerbated the humanitarian crisis but have also…

Nigerian fuel traders are navigating a challenging landscape filled with unmet expectations. Despite proclamations made six months ago that the state-owned Port Harcourt and Warri refineries were ready for operation, traders still find themselves struggling to secure gasoline from these facilities. It raises an important question: How long can a nation, rich in resources, rely on aging infrastructure? This situation has led traders to maintain their dependence on imports and the privately-owned $20 billion Dangote…

Mogadishu (AX) — Since mid-April, heavy rains and flash floods have swept through parts of Somalia, impacting over 45,000 individuals and tragically claiming at least four lives. This unsettling news comes from a recent situation report released by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). As we delve into the details of this situation, it’s essential to reflect on the resilience of Somalia's communities, even in the face of such overwhelming adversity. The report, issued on April 30,…

The Ripple Effect of the U.S. Aid Suspension on Global HIV Treatment Programs The recent announcement by the Trump administration, halting the flow of U.S. foreign aid, has sent ripples across the globe, particularly affecting the supply of HIV treatments in eight nations. The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm, warning that the disruption could have dire consequences. Can we afford to overlook the implications of such a decision? Six of the affected countries are nestled…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a remarkable step towards future-proofing its key agricultural sector, Somalia has announced a $79.7 million climate resilience project designed to ease the harsh impacts of climate change on its communities. This ambitious seven-year endeavor, aptly called Ugbaad, aims to breathe new life into the land by transforming degraded farms into productive spaces, securing precious water supplies, and enhancing the systems that deliver crucial climate data. The name 'Ugbaad' resonates with hope—a…

Consider the story of Nigeria's car import market, a tale of numbers and nuanced human behaviors. Historically, Nigerians have had a voracious appetite for used vehicles. According to estimates, a significant portion of cars arriving on Nigeria's shores are, indeed, used ones. Why, you might ask? The answer lies in a confluence of economic dynamics, policy shifts, and consumer demand that sway as unpredictably as a Lagos breeze. Nigeria’s automobile lifeline spans continents. Cars pour in from the United States, Italy,…

Refugees Protest at the UNHCR Office in Kakuma Camp Following Significant Food Ration Cuts Photograph: Courtesy of Kakuma News Reflector Imagine waking up to find that the food you rely on has been reduced by a significant amount. How would you feel? For thousands of refugees in Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp, this is no longer a hypothetical situation but a stark reality. Just recently, the bustling camp, home to around 300,000 individuals from countries like South Sudan, Somalia, the Democratic…

António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has called on G20 leaders to tackle the pressing crisis of global hunger, a plight afflicting one out of every eleven individuals around the globe last year. This plea comes amid alarm over rising food insecurity, worsened by a medley of conflicts, climate change, and economic inequalities. South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa has also chimed in, pushing global leaders to ramp up efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger. "Achieving gender equality is vital.…

IDP families in need of assistance/File photo/Ergo (ERGO) – Nasteho Mohamud Hashi, a determined single mother, has been facing a formidable challenge. The assistance she once received from the World Food Programme came to a halt in June, leaving her in a tight spot as she tries to feed her nine children. The $85 monthly support from WFP was a lifeline for Nasteho's family at the Hilac IDP camp in Dusamareb, located in Somalia's Galmudug state. Their circumstances changed drastically when conflict forced them to flee their…