The European Parliament has expressed its deep concern on Thursday 25 November about the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Somalia, which has been compounded by insecurity, terrorism and massive human rights violations.
In a resolution that was adopted by a large majority (625 votes in favour, 6 against, 55 abstentions), MEPs have condemned all human rights violations and abuses, as well as indiscriminate attacks by terrorist groups, including Al-Shabaab, on civilians, humanitarian workers, journalists, election officials and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
Emphasising the fact that lasting stability and peace in Somalia can only be achieved through social inclusion and good governance, the European Parliament has called on the country’s leaders to redouble their efforts in completing the electoral process and to finish organising inclusive and credible elections for the Lower House of Parliament before the end of the year. The longer the length of time for which the electoral process is delayed, the more resources will be diverted from important national priorities, such as responding to humanitarian emergencies, said MEPs.
They stressed the fact that with nearly 6 million people in need of humanitarian assistance and more than 2.7 million people facing emergency levels of food insecurity, the country is standing on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe.
The European Parliament is therefore calling on the EU, its Member States and the international community to immediately increase levels of humanitarian aid and to also provide additional anti-Covid-19 assistance by sharing vaccines and delivering essential medical supplies. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)