UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia and Somaliland Mr. Vincent Lelei has on Tuesday held a press conference in Maansoor Hotel, Hargeisa, to provide information on humanitarian responses to the prolonged severe drought that affected communities across Somaliland.
“After meeting with the Vice President and his cabinet members and had discussion with the UN and NGO colleagues, there is one collective position in the analysis of where Somaliland populations are in terms of drought- the situation is still very severe” Mr. Lelei told the media.
Lelei went on to say “It is like the population is crossing a river, and they are only half way in the middle of the river, they are very far away from getting to the other side, and therefore the conclusion is we still need to work together, we still need to respond to humanitarian needs and we still need in supporting the Government of Somaliland in the priorities they have in responding to the humanitarian needs of the people.”
The Deputy Humanitarian coordinator said that the rains were not good as they come late and finished early.
Mr Lelei also underlined that international community have been providing assistance to the people in need since January.
“From January this year, they (humanitarian partners) have been providing humanitarian assistance collectively. Around 800,000 people in Somaliland are receiving cash transfer and another half-million are receiving all forms of humanitarian assistance.”
He urged all partners to work together to support the Government of Somaliland on drought response and recovery efforts to assist drought affected communities.
“While we need to continue humanitarian assistance, we also need to include resilience building and early recovery interventions so that people will stand on their foot” he said.
Clink the link below to watch the UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator press conference.