UN calls attention to devastating famine in war-torn Somalia

The United Nations is calling immediate attention to a famine that is devastating war-torn Somalia, CTV News reports. The UN’s humanitarian coordinator in the region, Mark Bowden, says “Somalia is facing its worst food security crisis in the last 20 years”. Tens of thousands have died of hunger already, and the UN believes 6 people are dying every day. Severe draught and inflated food prices are responsible, sources say, as well as the region’s unstable political climate. Since the government collapsed 20 years ago, Islamist rebels have controlled the area, refusing to allow foreign aid into the country. The UN believes $300 million in aid is needed within the next two months to quell the crisis.

CTV News