“I am also here to sound the alarm about great international demand support, because on the humanitarian difficulties facing the country, the immense humanitarian assistance related to the building of Somalia’s security capacity, and the immense humanitarian assistance in stabilizing and developing the country, ” Secretary General António Guterres speak in the Somali capital Mogadishu.
“Although Somalis contribute almost nothing to climate change, Somalis are one of the biggest victims. Nearly five million people are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity.
“And of course, rising prices make matters worse. So I appeal to donors and I call on the international community to step up their support,” he added.
The head of the United Nations made these comments at a joint press conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at Villa Somalia, the seat of the federal government, shortly after landing in Mogadishu. The last time he visited Somalia was 6 years ago.
Then on Tuesday, along with Somalia’s Humanitarian Coordinator, Adam Abdelmoula, who is also his Deputy Special Representative for the country, the Secretary-General met with a number of Somalis affected by the humanitarian crisis. leader of the country during a visit to an internal camp. displaced people in Baidoa, the largest city in the southwestern state of Somalia.
He met two different families there.
The first walked 105 kilometers by donkey cart to seek refuge in Baidoa last year, after all of their livestock perished in an ongoing drought. The second family did the same after their livestock died and traveled about 70 kilometers in search of help.
‘Mobilize more support’
“It is time for the international community to need mobilize more support and support for Somalis to ensure the security of their people and fight terrorismsupport the Somalis to address the humanitarian tragedy we might witness in a camp like this.
“And support the Somalis in create conditions to build resilience of people and to create a development path for the Somali people,” Mr. Guterres speak after meetings.
He added: “During the Holy Month of Ramadan, we need generosity from the international community. extremely important to rescue the people I saw in this campand live in such dramatic circumstances.
Tens of thousands of people have been displaced in Somalia.
Millions of people need lifesaving aid
Currently, almost half of the population of Somalia – 8.25 million people – in need of humanitarian assistance and protection due to climate shocks, including five consecutive years of poor rainy seasons and prolonged conflict, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Among them, some 3.8 million people are internally displaced and nearly five million are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity. Approximately 1.8 million children are severely malnourished and 8 million do not have adequate access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene. Two-thirds of all people in drought-affected areas do not have access to essential health care services.
The Humanitarian Response Plan 2023 to meet the needs of Somalia’s requirements $2.6 billion to support 7.6 million people — but its funding stands at about 15 percent, so far.
At the previous joint media meeting in Mogadishu, the head of the United Nations called on the international community to “urgently fund” the Plan.
“The Somali people deserve the solidarity of the international community and deserve that solidarity to stop malnutrition and displacement, save lives and prevent hunger,” he said.
Secretary General António Guterres (left) meets with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Mogadishu, Somalia.
State-building support
Prior to the press meeting, the Secretary-General met with the President and several members of his cabinet and advisers to discuss other issues, including broader state-building goals, along with his Deputy Special Representative to Somalia, Anita Kiki Gbeho, who also serves as the Officer in Charge of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).
“The President and I discussed Valuable government efforts to tackle terrorism and promote peace and security for alland we stress the importance of stronger cooperation between the Federal Government and [Federal Member] states”, Mr. Guterres speak.
“The Federation and [Federal Member] State agencies can count on our support to build even more advanced state,” he continued, “and We are particularly encouraged by the agreement recently established regarding various issues of power sharing..”
The UN chief also called on the international community to increase support beyond the humanitarian sector, so that Somalis “can launch a new process of stability and development within the country andbuilt his capacity to fight Al-Shabaab even more effectively in the recent past.”
In recent months, Somalia’s security forces, reinforced by local militias, have conducted military operations against Al-Shabaab in the Union Member States of Hirshabelle and Galmudug, and These operations are expected to gradually shift to other areas of Somalia.
Encounter with civil society
Also on Tuesday, the UN chief met with representatives of Somali civil society organizations working in areas such as women’s issues and empowerment, climate change, people with disabilities. , youth and marginalized groups to hear first-hand about their work and how world organization can support them.
Later that evening, along with members of the Federal Government and representatives of the international community, he attended a meeting dinnerMeal prepared for sunset to break the daily fast of Muslims during the month of Ramadan.
The head of the United Nations began the tradition of carrying out solidarity visits – which included fasting as well – during the month of Ramadan when he was the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, before taking on the role of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. United Nations top job in 2017. He previously said that joining Muslims in fasting during the month of Ramadan has, for years, shown him “the true face of Islam.”
At a press conference in Mogadishu today, he noted that Somalia embodies “Ramadan”.timeless message of innovation and hope.”
“In these challenging times, I would like to commend your energy and resilience, and reiterate the unwavering support of the United Nations.,” said Mr. Guterres. “We stand in solidarity with the Somali people and the Somali Government – for peace, for security and for sustainable development.”
