UK minister visits Somalia, announces £10 million for drought relief efforts

The United Kingdom has announced an additional ten million pounds support to stem the food crisis in Somalia which the UN estimates is directly affecting about five million people.

In an exclusive interview with Goobjoog News in Mogadishu Saturday, UK Secretary of State for International Development Priti Patel said her country was committed to supporting Somalia not only in alleviating the drought but also in its long term state building efforts.

Patel noted the drought situation needed a multifaceted approach and collaboration from all stakeholders to ensure the drought situation is comprehensively addressed.

“Importantly we have to work together because the extend of the drought is devastating. We are seeing people malnourished but also losing their lives as well. And also endemics right now such as cholera are taking hold and obviously the agencies are trying to get a grip of those issues,” said Patel.

The Minister also held talks with Lower House Speaker Mohamed Osman Jawaari and Deputy Prime Minister Mohamed Arteh where they discussed the upcoming presidential elections.

“My coming here today is very much about looking at the future agenda; obviously the politics, we’ve seen the new parliament and the deputy prime minister, to really talk about the issues, the forthcoming presidential elections, getting the parliament together obviously, fifty per cent of parliament are new, so really looking into the future,” said Patel

The UK Minister said her government’s engagement with Somalia in a post Brexit situation will remain unchanged noting the relationship was strategic and geared to a more stable and secure Somalia.

Regarding the London conference on Somalia later this year, the Minister said conference will bring together ‘all partners that have shared interests, shared equities in the future of Somalia.’ It is also about peace, prosperity stability, about bringing peace and stability where there is conflict.