Statement from Ummy Dubow, CARE Somalia Deputy Country Director Programs
Mogadishu, June 18, 2023 - “The announcement by Russia to pull out of the UN-brokered Black Sea Grain deal with Ukraine is alarming. The news is devastating for communities in Somalia as 90% of the country's imported grain comes from Ukraine and Russia. After years of drought in Somalia, the increase in world prices for grain had a significant impact on the poorest families in Somalia. Persistent conflict and the drought coupled with the protracted crises in Somalia has left millions in need of humanitarian assistance. Due to the collapse of this deal, we are anticipating a rise in global prices which will lead to local food prices beyond the reach of many families already faced with acute food insecurity, putting thousands of lives at risk, and worsening the crisis they face.
We call upon international leaders to ensure an uninterrupted supply of grain to avoid worsening the hunger situation in countries like Somalia where about 6.6 million people are already experiencing food insecurity.
In Somalia, CARE is responding to the deteriorating humanitarian situation. We are working alongside our partners to offer clean drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene, health and nutrition services, education for children displaced by drought, safe spaces for women, food, and cash distribution so that families can choose how best to prioritize their household finances to meet their basic needs.”