United States Mission to the United Nations
Office of Press and Public Diplomacy
For Immediate Release
January 29, 2023
Media Note: Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield Announces $41 Million in Additional Assistance to Respond to the Near-Famine Crisis in Somalia
Today inSomalia, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Representative to the United Nations, announced that the United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development, will providemore than41million dollars in fundingto save lives and meet humanitarian needsin Somalia.
“The humanitarian situation in Somalia is as dire as any in the world right now,” said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield during a speech on food security in Mogadishu. The combination of the climate crisis; the supply chain crisis sparked by COVID; and conflicts – like the one caused by al-Shabaab, has brought that horrific word back to Somalia – famine.
“Famine is the ultimate failure of the international community. In a world abundant with food, entire communities should never, ever starve to death. I refuse to accept that failure,” said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. “When the longest drought in Somalia’s record led to initial famine projections, the United States took action.”
Since the beginning of 2022’s fiscal year, the United States has provided 1.3 billion dollars of life-saving assistance to Somalia. U.S. funding last year accounted for more than 80 percent of the World Food Program’s emergency operations in the Horn of Africa. Four times greater than the contributions of all other countries combined. That aid has brought food, water, and shelter to the Somali people. As the United States surges support, it continues to work with all levels of Somalia’s government to increase security, and ensure humanitarian and development resources reach communities recently liberated from al-Shabaab.
This new assistance comes as the drought intensifies following a fifth failed rainy season, putting people at risk of further devastation and despair. Today’s new funding bolsters U.S. famine prevention efforts with a targeted focus on addressing extreme food gaps, treating severe malnutrition in women and children, and combating the current outbreak of deadly diseases like measles and cholera.
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By United States Mission to the United Nations | 29 January, 2023 | Topics: Highlights, Remarks and Highlights
As an expert in international relations and humanitarian efforts, my deep understanding of the intricacies of global diplomacy and aid initiatives allows me to shed light on the recent announcement by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield regarding the United States' response to the near-famine crisis in Somalia.
Firstly, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield's declaration reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Somalia. She highlighted the convergence of factors contributing to the crisis, including the climate crisis, disruptions in the supply chain due to COVID, and conflicts instigated by groups like al-Shabaab.
The term "famine" is not used lightly, and the Ambassador emphasizes that it represents the ultimate failure of the international community. Her refusal to accept such failure underscores the commitment of the United States to intervene in the face of impending disaster.
The announcement of $41 million in additional assistance demonstrates a tangible commitment to alleviating the humanitarian crisis. This funding, facilitated through the U.S. Agency for International Development, aims to save lives and meet the urgent needs of the Somali population. The targeted focus of the assistance includes addressing extreme food gaps, treating severe malnutrition in women and children, and combating the outbreak of deadly diseases like measles and cholera.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield provided a broader context by mentioning the United States' continuous support throughout the fiscal year, with a staggering $1.3 billion in life-saving assistance already provided to Somalia since the beginning of 2022. Notably, the U.S. funding accounted for over 80 percent of the World Food Program's emergency operations in the Horn of Africa, surpassing the combined contributions of all other nations.
This substantial aid has not only delivered essential provisions such as food, water, and shelter but has also contributed to ongoing efforts to enhance security in collaboration with Somalia's government. The goal is to ensure that humanitarian and development resources reach communities recently liberated from the grip of al-Shabaab.
In conclusion, the United States' proactive response to the near-famine crisis in Somalia, as articulated by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, showcases a deep understanding of the complexities involved and a resolute commitment to mitigating the impact on vulnerable populations.
