Once a region of great resilience and beauty, East Africa finds itself in the clutches of an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. On Wednesday, the Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, will took center stage at the UN Horn of Africa pledging conference to announce the UK’s unwavering support for over a million people in need. With a commitment of £143 million, the UK aims to provide vital aid that will address immediate challenges and pave the way for long-term solutions.
The Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell said, “The devastating impact of a catastrophic drought has left millions in East Africa without access to essential resources. Water, the lifeblood of communities, has become a scarce commodity, with unimaginable suffering inflicted upon families struggling to secure enough for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Andrew Mitchell emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating, “Our funding could not come at a more critical moment, and it is clear that we must act now, and do all we can to save lives.”
He added, “As we’ve sadly seen in Sudan, conflict across East Africa is tearing apart communities, with women and girls bearing the brunt of the violence.
“Our funding could not come at a more critical moment, and it is clear that we must act now, and do all we can to save lives. Across the Horn of Africa around 43 million people require humanitarian aid due to the devastating effects of conflict and climate change. The Horn of Africa has also experienced a drought of an unprecedented nature following five seasons of failed rains, with livelihood systems collapsing, millions displaced and hundreds of thousands of children forced to drop out of school’’
‘’The new UK funding will address the crisis by supporting victims of gender-based violence, providing families with access to basic services, nutritional support, emergency food and cash assistance and sustainable water supplies. As part of the UK, US and Qatar’s pledges made today, all three countries have partnered to commit £8.4 million for drought response and resilience support in Somalia,’’ He concluded
Recognizing the interconnectedness of climate change and the humanitarian crisis, the UK is also investing in resilience-building initiatives. With more frequent and severe weather events impacting vulnerable countries, it is essential to adapt and build resilience for the long term. The funding will boost climate resilience, aiding communities in adapting to the changing climate and mitigating the effects of future crises. Furthermore, support will be extended to those displaced due to drought and extreme weather, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives.
The pledging conference, co-hosted by the UK, Qatar, Italy, the US, and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), serves as a platform for countries to unite in their efforts to combat the crisis. The UK’s commitment of £96 million specifically targets the drought-impacted countries of the Horn, emphasizing the government’s dedication to addressing the immediate needs of those most affected.
In collaboration with the US and Qatar, the UK has also committed £8.4 million for drought response and resilience support in Somalia, acknowledging the cross-border nature of the crisis and the importance of collective action. It is a testament to the international community’s resolve to stand together and confront the challenges head-on.
As the conference unfolds, calls for sustainable development and long-term solutions echo throughout the halls. Breaking the cycle of crises afflicting the region requires comprehensive approaches that address the root causes. The UK, alongside its partners, is steadfast in its commitment to providing not only immediate relief but also the tools and resources necessary to build a brighter future for East Africa.
The world watches as the UK pledges its support, exemplifying the power of compassion, collaboration, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. As millions in East Africa await aid, hope begins to flicker anew, as nations rally together to save lives and alleviate suffering.
About Guide2Uganda
Guide2Uganda (www.guide2uganda.ug) is the most comprehensive source of travel information about Uganda on the web, with more content on its cities and towns, accommodations, attractions, events, museums, and galleries than any other online guide currently available for Uganda, as well as being a dynamic travel news and events driven site with new content added on a daily basis.
We are one of Uganda’s most powerful online media organizations, according to the WeFollow & Peer Index, which assesses online influence. Jumia Travel Uganda also awarded Guide2Uganda the “Best Destination Website in Uganda” at the 2018 Africa Travel Awards.
Share your travel stories & photos with the world via email: info@guide2uganda.ug
