Famine in Somalia!

August 9th

This is an article about why the world needs the US. to be a strong and powerful country, with a vibrant economy! And a net exporter of energy!

A “super famine” is brewing in Somalia. Famine can be declared if 3 events occur: a major percent of a country’s people is suffering from malnutrition, there is a scarcity of food and certain mortality rates are reached, usually 100,000 deaths. Somalia is headed toward a super famine with deaths expected to exceed 250,00!

The government in Somalia is dysfunctional and the country’s economy is poor. The GDP is $7 billion. For comparison, Vermont has a GDP of $32 billion and is the smallest state economy in the US. Somalia’s economy is the major reason for the famine, but other factors are also present. “The Economist” reports that the world’s most violent terrorist group, al-Shabab, controls the country. The group controls all villages, roads and ports. UN aid workers, and food cannot get through without the consent of al-Shabab. Money has to be paid to this terrorist group! The US pledged $ 476 million in July. Other countries must follow. However, many global countries have laws prohibiting payments to terrorists. Thus, medical aid and food supplies are scarce.

Somalia is also experiencing a drought that has killed livestock and ruined grain production. Somalia imports about 80% of its food. The war in the Ukraine has hurt grain shipments and caused much higher prices. Approximately 40% of Somalians do not have enough to eat. About 1.5 million children are severely malnourished. Somalia experienced the world’s worse famine this century in 2011. This time it’s much worse!

A perfect storm of severe drought, war in the Ukraine, higher prices, a poor economy (fifth poorest in the world), and a violent terrorist group running the country! The UN says Somalia needs $1.5 billion in aid. The US pledged 1/3 of that amount. Other countries need to send aid immediately. Sadly, the aid groups will have to negotiate with al-Shabab.

Lastly, Somalia is the world’s 8th most violent country. Afghanistan is first followed by Yemen! Countries donating money and supplies to Somalia will have to deal with al-Shabab. It’s either give a violent terrorist group bribes or let thousands die. Let’s see what Biden does.

PS-there are 55 countries in Africa. Most of those countries are very poor. The lack of law and order is the main reason!!!