Somalia’s Current Security and Stability Status
On March 14, 2018, RI Senior Advocate Mark Yarnell testified before a Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee hearing on “Somalia’s Current Security and Stability Status.” Hosted by the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, the hearing examined the security and humanitarian conditions in Somalia following the near famine of 2017.
“Drought and conflict have continued into 2018, further eroding the coping capacity of Somali households and contributing to new displacement. At present, 5.4 million people are in need of emergency assistance throughout the country, including more than 300,000 children who are at risk of starvation.”
Mark Yarnell, RI Senior Advocate and UN Liaison
With continuing drought and predictions of a weak upcoming rainy season, Somalia and its millions of displaced citizens continue to face hardships, malnutrition, and insecurity. Yarnell encouraged Congress and the Trump administration remained engaged with the Somali government, urging the president in particular to name a U.S. ambassador to the fragile country.
