In a collaborative effort aimed at combating the devastating effects of drought in Somalia, the British Embassy in Mogadishu, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) have launched a $10.5 million assistance and resilience program through the Building Resilient Communities in Somalia (BRCiS) consortium.
Severe drought, compounded by conflict, in Somalia has left 6.6 million people severely food insecure. Since January 2022, more than 3 million people have been displaced and mortality rates have surpassed those in 2017. An estimated 43,000 deaths have already occurred - half of which were among children under the age of 5. Without continued support, more than half a million children under the age of 5 are at risk of severe malnourishment and death this year.
H.E Mike Nithavrianakis, British Ambassador to Somalia commented:
"The situation in Somalia remains critical. We applaud our partners’ sustained delivery of humanitarian assistance which helped to avert nationwide famine this year. This is significant, but humanitarian aid alone cannot address the crisis. That is why the UK is reinforcing BRCiS’ response through continued collaboration with the US and Qatar."
H.E Dr Abdullah bin Salim Al-Naimi, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Somalia, commented:
"The drought crisis has cast a shadow on the already worsening humanitarian situation in Somalia due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This affected millions and has increased the threat of famine, displacement, food insecurity, and severe malnutrition among children, which imposes on everyone without exception.
Providing humanitarian and relief support would alleviate millions affected by humanitarian conditions, helping them to withstand these complex situations further, and working to save lives, which is primarily a human duty."
US Ambassador Larry André commented:
"BRCiS will continue to support the Somali people in their communities. Partnership is at the heart of the work of the United States with Somalia. This extension expands that partnership with the UK and Qatar to build on past success."