Tuesday November 23, 2021
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somalia's Prime Minister declared a state of emergency on Tuesday due to the widespread drought in the country following an emergency cabinet meeting in Somalia's capital.
"Today, November 23, 2021, after listening to the report prepared by the Drought Situation Committee, which indicates that the country is in a difficult situation due to the drought, I declare a state of emergency."
Prime Minister Roble called on the Somali people and the international community to come to aid the Somali people affected by the drought.
The Prime Minister's statement on the humanitarian situation in the country comes as Somalia is experiencing a worsening drought following three consecutive failed rainy seasons. A fourth failed rainy season in 2021 could have disastrous effects.
According to the UN, close to a quarter of Somalia's total population - 2.6 million - are affected by the drought, with another 113,000 people having already been displaced.
International aid agencies and the Somali government have said they are scaling-up responses to address the critical humanitarian needs.