The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has called on the International community to step up their support in humanitarian response to Somalia who has been experiencing its worst series of five years of drought.
Guterres who made this appeal in a joint press encounter with Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Tuesday, said this support will urgently fund the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan, currently just 15 percent funded.
He urged that Somali people deserve the solidarity of the international community to prevent malnutrition and displacement, save lives and avert famine.
“Also to be able to launch a new process of stabilisation development in the country and to build up its capacities to fight Al-Shabaab with even more efficiency than in the recent past”, UN Chief added.
The UN Secretary-General who is on solidarity visit to Somalia as his yearly routine during the Holy Month of Ramadan, said, “Every year during the Holy Month of Ramadan, I have the honour of visiting a Muslim country”.
According to him, “And today, I am happy to continue this tradition here in Somalia, and to fast with you in solidarity.
“And I wish to thank everyone for allowing me to join in this special time, and I look forward to later sharing an Iftar, invited by His Excellency the President with a group of distinguished guests.
“The President and I discussed the government’s valuable efforts to tackle terrorism and advance peace and security for everyone.And we underlined the importance of an ever-stronger collaboration between the Federal Government and States.
“Federal and State authorities can count on our support for further advanced state-building, and we are particularly encouraged by the recent agreement that was established in relation to the different matters of power sharing”.
Guterres said further that he is in Somalia to ring the alarm on needs for massive international support because of the humanitarian difficulties the country is facing.
“Massive humanitarian support in relation to the build-up of a security capacity of Somalia, and massive humanitarian support in stabilisation and development of the country.
“Somalia is experiencing its worst series of five years of drought in recorded history, and I hope that the rain that is coming will persist and will help address the very challenging situation that has been created in the country by drought.
“Although Somalis make virtually no contribution to climate change – as a matter of fact, Somalia contributes 0.003 percent to the emissions that cause climate change.
“Although Somalis make virtually no contribution to climate change, the Somalis are among the greatest victims. Nearly five million people are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity. And of course, rising prices make matters worse”.
In these challenging times, the UN Chief commended Somali’s energy and resilience, reiterated the United Nations’ unwavering support. “We stand in solidarity with Somali people and the Government for peace, security and sustainable development”, he said.