Climate change is exacerbating Somalia’s humanitarian situation, according to a UN envoy. In an exclusive interview with Anadolu Agency, the UN envoy to Somalia said the nation is facing a serious humanitarian catastrophe that has been exacerbated by climate change.
“Somalia has always struggled with humanitarian issues. On the sidelines of Turkiye’s three-day Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF), with Anadolu Agency as the global communications partner, James Swan said: “They are presently being compounded further by the impact of climate change in a very vulnerable environment.”
Swan noted that the year 2022 is particularly critical since it is the fourth consecutive year of below-average rainfall and crop, and that more than half of the country’s 15 million people are in desperate need of humanitarian aid.
In light of this, Somalia and the United Nations devised a combined action plan to solve the situation, according to Swan, a former US diplomat with significant experience in Africa.
“An appeal to the donor community to help Somalia” is part of the strategy, he added. Donors in Somalia have a long history of being giving, and we rely on their continued generosity to support Somalis in need.”
Improvements have been made, but more is still required.
Swan reiterated that the country urgently requires donations at this critical moment, estimating that $1.45 billion is needed to meet Somalis’ immediate needs for food, housing, and other forms of assistance.
Over 20 UN agencies, including the World Food Program (WHO), UNICEF, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), have been working to meet the population’s humanitarian needs while simultaneously advancing the development agenda and building a democratic and stable society, he added.
According to Swan, the UN is in frequent contact with the Turkish ambassador, as well as other embassies and friends of Somalia.
Turkiye-Somalia ties have strengthened in recent years, aided by collaboration on topics like as security and significant aid to the Horn of Africa country.
Swan applauded recent developments in Somalia, praising the country’s security sector in particular.
“In recent decades, and especially in the last 12 years or so, Somalia has made significant progress in being able to have institutions that function (including) federal member states that have been created over the last decade, as well as increasingly functional ministries and other administrative services,” he said.
He did warn, though, that much more institution building and political change has to be done, including the conclusion of elections as soon as feasible, alluding to parliamentary elections that began in November and are due to finish this month.
“As Somalia’s electoral process nears completion, we’re at a critical juncture.” “It’s critical that it’s done quickly and with a high level of credibility,” Swan emphasized.
“It’s critical that Somalia’s leaders complete this political process and return to the pressing task of addressing the Somali people’s top objectives in the coming years.”