The international community must step up its support for Somalia, which is facing “enormous” security and humanitarian problems amid a historic drought, the General secretary of the UN during a solidarity visit to the country.
António Guterres made this request together with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in a meeting with the press in the capital, Mogadishu.
“The president and I discussed the valuable Government efforts to counter terrorism and promote peace and security for all. And we underline the importance of ever closer collaboration between the Federal Government and the States,” he declared.
victims of climate change
Guterres underscored the UN’s support for federal and state authorities to advance in the construction of the State, adding that he felt encouraged by the recent agreement on different aspects of power sharing.
“And I’m also here to raise the alarm about the need for massive international support: massive international support because of the humanitarian difficulties the country is facing; massive humanitarian support in connection with building a Somali security capability. , and massive humanitarian support in the stabilization and development of the country,” he declared.
Somalia is currently suffering from the worst five-year series of drought in its history. The UN head claimed that although Somalis contribute little to climate change, they are among its biggest victims.
Meanwhilealmost five million people go hungry and rising prices only make the situation worse.
The Secretary General, António Guterres (left), meets with the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Support, solidarity, stabilization
Guterres called on donors and the international community to urgently fund the country’s Humanitarian Response Plan to cover this year’s operations.
The Plan, which needs 2.6 billion dollars to assist some 7.6 million people, is only 15% financed.
He affirmed that the Somali people deserve the solidarity of the international community to prevent malnutrition and displacement, and avoid famine.
This solidarity is also necessary to “launch a new process of stabilization and development in the country and increase their capabilities to fight Al-Shabaab more effectively than in the recent past.
carry on a tradition
Beginning his appearance before journalists, the Secretary-General said he was glad to be back in Somalia, recalling that his last visit was six years ago.
He stressed that, above all, it was “a visit of solidarity.”
Guterres has made it a tradition to visit a Muslim country every year during the holy month of Ramadan, expressing his gratitude for being able to participate in this very special moment.
“Somalia embodies the timeless message of renewal and hope of Ramadan. In these difficult times, I want to commend your energy and resilience, and reiterate the unwavering support of the United Nations“, said.
“We stand in solidarity with the Somali people and government, for peace, security and sustainable development,” he said.
