Terrorism and Food Catastrophe: What it Means for Somalia

 

In the past three decades, hundreds of thousands of Somalis have fled the country in search of a better life with increased personal security. As of October 2022, the total count of Somali refugees in the world stood at more than 836,300, with most people going to neighboring countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and Yemen.

A portion of asylum seekers has also developed a rich Somali community in Central Ohio and are working towards becoming integrated members of the society.

But why did so many people leave their country in the first place? The mass displacement can be attributed to two factors: Terrorism and food catastrophe. In this article, we will understand what these two things have done to the country and why it has put Somalia farther back in time.

Food Crisis in Somalia

Somalia’s crisis-level food insecurity is getting worse with every passing year and heading toward an impending famine. The food crisis primarily stems from the country’s poor agricultural economy caused by weak political structures and repeated failed monsoons. This is also why Somalia is also highly reliant on imported grains from the US, Russia, and Ukraine which makes food even more expensive for the locals.

To that end, food insecurity has led to some of these serious consequences:

· Deaths due to starvation, especially among children.

· The Somali population, particularly the children, has become susceptible to common diseases such as malaria, diarrhea, and measles.

· A higher number of child marriages and fewer school enrollments.

Reign of Terror in Somalia

On top of the food insecurity, Somalia’s turbulent political landscape has also made it difficult for Somalis to live peacefully in their own country. One of the biggest causes of political instability and the high number of fatalities in Somalia is the presence of Al-Shabab, an armed militant group that emerged from the Islamic Courts Union.

While the Somali National Army is constantly cracking down on these militants, the terror has continued to haunt Mogadishu and surrounding cities. Al-Shabab has grown past the horn of Africa and has plagued neighboring countries such as Uganda, Ethiopia, and Kenya as well.

Want to Help Somali Refugees in Ohio? Join Hands with Somali Community Link

The Somali community in Ohio is in constant need of your help as they struggle to get resettled and rehabilitated in the US.

You can support them by donating to Somali Community Link so the refugees can lead better lives. As a non-profit organization in Ohio, they aim to help the social integration of Somali refugees and help them become active and contributing members of society. All your donations will go towards financing the Somali refugees’ education funding, housing needs, and more.

Every penny counts, and even the smallest of donations can make a world of difference! Visit their website now to learn more about this cause and donate now.