Somalia: amid unstable security, UN warns of growing humanitarian crisis
14 October 2014 - The top United Nations official in Somalia today condemned
the car bombing which left an estimated 13 people dead and many more injured
in Mogadishu, the capital, amid a precarious humanitarian situation in the
rest of the country.
"I condemn last night's appalling terrorist attack against innocent
civilians in Mogadishu resulting in numerous casualties," said the Special
Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, Nicholas Kay.
For decades, Somalia has been riven by factional fighting and the recent
spread of religious fanaticism in the guise of Al-Shabaab has only added to
the beleaguered country's woes.
In 2012, new Somali national institutions emerged as the country ended a
transitional phase toward setting up a permanent, democratically-elected
Government. Meanwhile, the Somali National Army (SNA) and the UN-backed
African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) have been pursuing a renewed
offensive against Al-Shabaab insurgents, who in 2011 were forced to retreat
from the capital, Mogadishu.
The UN Assistance Mission in Somalia ( <
http://unsom.unmissions.org/>
UNSOM), which Mr. Kay leads, was established in 2013 by the UN Security
Council. It is mandated to support the Federal Government of Somalia with
its peace and state building agenda and to strengthen Somalia's security
sector, promote respect for human rights and women's empowerment and assist
in the coordination of international assistance.
"The use of such indiscriminate tactics against the Somali people is a cruel
and despicable crime. I commend the swift response of Somalia's security and
medical staff. The perpetrators need to be brought to justice swiftly,"
added Mr. Kay.
At the same time, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia,
Philippe Lazzarini,
<
http://reliefweb.int/report/somalia/statement-humanitarian-coordinator-soma
lia-philippe-lazzarini-race-against-time-help> voiced extreme concern over
the unfolding humanitarian crisis in southern, central and north-eastern
Somalia where numerous communities remain "desperately" in need of water,
food and healthcare.
"The humanitarian operation in Somalia requires urgent scale-up," Mr.
Lazzarini said in a press statement. "We are in a race against time to save
lives in areas stricken by drought and conflict."
The humanitarian coordinator noted that aid workers could reach affected
areas despite the numerous challenges and persisting insecurity but urged
the international community to drastically ramp up its financial assistance
for the country.
"Despite competing crises in the world today, not responding to the
humanitarian situation in Somalia is not an option," Mr. Lazzarini
continued.
"Critical funding is needed today to expand operations. Funding pipelines
for food security, nutrition, health, water, sanitation and hygiene services
must be increased without delay."
Received on Tue Oct 14 2014 - 09:28:12 EDT