Sudan conflict: Khartoum landmarks in flames as battles rage across country
GuardianOct 02, 2023
Report: 25% of Somalia's Population Faces Climate-Exacerbated Hunger
The Facts
On Tuesday, the World Food Programme (WFP) reported that a quarter of the Somali population is facing "crisis-level hunger or worse" with conditions exacerbated by drought and floods.
The WFP estimates that 4.3M people will be forced into starvation by the end of the year as they have yet to recover from record-breaking drought and are now facing catastrophic flooding. Malnutrition levels have soared to reach their greatest height in over 10 years.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Millions of people across the Horn of Africa are hanging on by a thread being threatened each day with death by hunger. Climate impacts coupled with conflict and displacement are creating an untenable crisis. Not only have crops and livestock been destroyed, but Ukraine —which serves as the breadbasket of the world — has been cut off. The international community, with all of its robust capabilities, is trying the very best it can with this extraordinary set of complex challenges in the region.
Establishment-critical narrative
Record-low commitments from Western nations have left the global south feeling left out and betrayed as they watch residents die from preventable malnutrition and disease. The West should be ashamed of hiding behind "donor fatigue." This phrase being tossed about is a false claim when the truth is that committing to humanitarian aid is more about political will. Choosing not to help is a choice that pays a price in real human life.