Famine Declaration in Southern Somalia - July 11, 2011

On July 11, 2011, the United Nations declared a famine in parts of southern Somalia, marking the first such declaration in the region in nearly three decades. This dire situation was primarily the result of a severe drought, compounded by ongoing conflict and restricted humanitarian access.

Context and Causes

Severe Drought

• Meteorological Conditions: The Horn of Africa, including Somalia, experienced one of the worst droughts in 60 years. The lack of rainfall led to widespread crop failures and the death of livestock, which are crucial for the subsistence of local communities.
• Impact on Agriculture: The drought devastated agricultural production, leading to food shortages and skyrocketing prices, making it difficult for families to afford basic necessities.

Conflict

• Civil War: Somalia had been embroiled in a civil war since the early 1990s, which severely weakened the country’s infrastructure and governance.
• Al-Shabaab Insurgency: The militant group Al-Shabaab controlled large parts of southern Somalia, further complicating efforts to deliver aid. Their presence and actions, including imposing restrictions on aid agencies, exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.

Restricted Humanitarian Access

• Security Concerns: The volatile security situation made it perilous for international aid organizations to operate in the region.
• Bureaucratic and Logistical Challenges: Even in areas not controlled by militants, bureaucratic hurdles and poor infrastructure hindered the delivery of aid.

Declaration and Immediate Consequences

• UN Response: The United Nations, through its Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit (FSNAU) and the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), declared a famine in two regions of southern Somalia: Bakool and Lower Shabelle.
• Humanitarian Crisis: The declaration highlighted that approximately 3.7 million people in Somalia were in need of urgent humanitarian assistance, with tens of thousands already having died, many of them children.

Broader Historical Significance

• International Aid Mobilization: The famine declaration prompted a global response, with international organizations and governments rallying to provide aid and support.
• Long-term Implications: The crisis underscored the vulnerability of regions affected by both natural and man-made disasters, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions to food insecurity and conflict resolution.
• Policy and Aid Strategy Reevaluation: The situation led to a reevaluation of aid strategies, focusing on improving access and addressing the root causes of such crises, including climate change and political instability.

The 2011 famine in Somalia remains a stark reminder of the complex interplay between environmental factors and human conflict, highlighting the importance of coordinated international efforts to prevent and mitigate such humanitarian disasters.