The United Nations Warns Our World is Threatened by a Humanitarian Crisis from Drought in East Africa.
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Devastating Drought Conditions in Africa |
Kjell Bondevik, the United Nations Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, stated that the local population could avoid disaster if they receive aid “within the next few weeks… not in several months.”
Bondevik witnessed livestock dying from lack of water during an inspection in southern Kenya.
The United Nations estimates that approximately 11 million people are facing severe threats in Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and Djibouti. The World Food Programme (WFP), which is leading the relief efforts, reported that it currently holds only one-third of the resources needed to address the shortfall. According to WFP, donors have committed $186 million, while the total required for relief efforts is $574 million.
“I urge donor countries to agree to provide more aid and to disburse it, not just make commitments and then leave them unfulfilled,” Bondevik said during his visit to Kenya.
The severe drought follows food crises in Niger and various other regions of Africa. Images of children dying from hunger have prompted international action, but according to BBC reporter Peter Greste in Nairobi, it may already be too late.
Bondevik noted that global climate change is the root cause of the absence of rain for two consecutive seasons. Therefore, it is the responsibility of countries around the world to assist those affected.
“I fear that we are transitioning from a crisis to a catastrophe without timely assistance.”
His comments have been echoed by the UK-based humanitarian organization Oxfam, which stated that the help from wealthy donor nations remains “too meager compared to the urgent needs.”
According to Oxfam, the crisis in some areas of northern Kenya is so severe that some individuals have been forced to eat insects, wild fruits, and rodents to survive.
