By Emily Devaney
Millions of people in famine-stricken Africa are not receiving the help they need because of suspicions over aid agencies’ political intentions.
The militant group Al-Shabab, with links to Al-Qaida, remain in control of many of the worst hit regions of Somalia and threaten to overthrow its weak government.
Al-Shahab believe agencies such as World Food Programme have political intentions and have even gone so far as to deny famine in officially declared famines regions such as Bakool and the Lower Shabelle regions of Somalia.
The group’s presence is preventing some aid agencies from entering drought and famine affected areas. This stops food reaching 2.3 million malnourished children.
Across Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea and South Sudan the worst drought and famine in 60 years has taken over. With the UN asking for $1.6bil from donor countries and $300mil needed in the next three months, the situation is looking grim.
Even with this aid, donations and a helping hand from some of the world's largest countries, corruption, war and violence are preventing many aid agencies from doing what they do best for the Horn of Africa- saving lives.
Al-Shabab's presence is affecting aid entering the regions hit by famine but it also may impact people donating for the cause. There may be fear over where donations will end up- whether it will reach its intended destination or line the pockets of Al-Shabab.
The US has provided an extra $28mil and Germany another F15mil, but another $1bil is still needed.
Head of the WFP Josette Sheeran says that people should not let the political situation stop them from giving.
"This is about saving lives now, it's not about politics it's not about anything but humanity standing together to save lives."
As the Horn of Africa suffers in the clutches of famine, help is hindered by the militant group that is controlling many effected nations.
The group Al-Shabab, which has links to Al-Qaida, is controlling Somalian nations while trying to overthrow its weakened government.
Al-Shabab believes aid programmes trying to enter the famine-stricken countries have political intentions, so is denying their entry and denying many people the food and water they need as a result.
OPINION: In an ideal world, there would not be famine or a need for aid workers. This natural and manmade disaster has highlighted our world’s un-idealistic attributes. That when our fellow human beings need us most, politics, alliances and personal gain are getting in the way of saving lives.
The drought ravaging East Africa, I believe, has and will continue to test our faith in agencies to help others. This isn't about religion, politics or spiritual beliefs but about millions of innocent human beings, trapped by nature and trapped by man, and what we can do to help.
Now more than ever, the United Nations and aid organisations are asking us to lend a hand, to have faith in what they are trying to resolve, who they are trying to help and are asking us to believe they will get there.
11 million people are exhausted, starving and at risk in East Africa. One militant group holds the power over their lives. Yet the world’s population is upwards of 6.93 billion.
Perhaps this natural crisis is an opportunity for humanity to reach into their pockets, open their mouths, spread the word and have faith in the power of the people.
Emily Devaney is working with UNICEF as part of the 3Youth project, an upcoming section of the 3 News website focusing on social issues and written by young people.
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