Somali Leaders, International Partners, and the UN Determined to Make Somalia Famine-Resistant

 Somali Leaders, International Partners, and the UN Determined to Make Somalia Famine-Resistant

In a major step toward ending Somalia's recurring humanitarian crises, the country marked a significant turning point in January 2018 by launching a comprehensive humanitarian response plan. The plan, led by the Somali government and supported by the United Nations, aims to transition Somalia from crisis management to long-term recovery and resilience, particularly in light of the recurring droughts that have led to famine risks in the past.

The launch of the 2018 Humanitarian Response Plan and the Recovery and Resilience Framework (RRF) came one year after Somalia declared drought a national emergency. The plan seeks $1.5 billion to address the needs of 5.4 million people. The RRF outlines long-term strategies to promote development and address the root causes of Somalia's vulnerability to drought and famine.

A Collaborative Approach to Recovery

Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire opened the event in Mogadishu, emphasizing his government’s resolve to move Somalia from a state of crisis to one of recovery. "Somalia is turning over a new leaf in its history," said Khaire. "We are determined to overcome the challenges posed by recurring droughts that risk undermining our progress, and we count on our international partners to support us in this endeavor."

International partners also voiced strong support. Achim Steiner, the Administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), acknowledged Somalia’s leadership in averting famine in 2017 and emphasized the opportunity to build on this achievement. Steiner noted that Somalia's progress in state-building and peace-building since 2012 has created conditions to address long-term solutions for famine prevention.

Mark Lowcock, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, reiterated that while humanitarian aid was crucial in the short term, long-term solutions were needed to end the cycle of food insecurity and vulnerability. He emphasized that ending need in Somalia would require both immediate humanitarian interventions and sustained efforts to build resilience, improve access to basic services, and reduce vulnerability to future crises.

International Support and Investment

Mahmoud Mohieldin, Senior Vice President of the World Bank, praised the Somali government's proactive approach in overcoming its challenges. He emphasized that the implementation of the RRF would require hard investment but was essential for Somalia’s future stability. Mohieldin also commended Somalia’s efforts to normalize its relations with the international finance system, a key factor in securing long-term development support.

The European Union also pledged continued support, with Fulgencio Garrido Ruiz, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Somalia, underscoring the EU’s commitment to a comprehensive approach that integrates security, political engagement, development, and humanitarian aid.

The Path Ahead: Moving from Reaction to Prevention

The joint launch of the 2018 humanitarian response plan and the resilience framework represents a significant shift toward building Somalia's capacity to withstand future shocks. By addressing immediate humanitarian needs while also implementing strategies for long-term development, Somalia and its international partners hope to create a more resilient nation that is less vulnerable to the devastating effects of climate change, conflict, and displacement.

The partnership between Somalia’s government, international organizations, and humanitarian agencies signals a new era of collaboration aimed at breaking the cycle of famine and disaster that has plagued the country for decades. With continued support and focused investment in both humanitarian response and long-term resilience, there is hope that Somalia can build a future free from the threat of famine.