The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, writes in The Observer on the importance of supporting the people of East Africa...
We have all seen the news reports of tens of thousands of Somalis in desperate search of food and water. Somalia’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Ibrahim has warned more than 3.5 million people "may starve to death" in his country and the UN estimates more than 1.5 million Somalis are internally displaced by hunger - most of them in Mogadishu, but also in neighbouring Kenya and Ethiopia.
Images of children starving, of militant regimes and of refugee camps seem an all too familiar and deeply frustrating reoccurrence. Yet again, dozens of experienced local aid organizations are forced to confront ‘compassion fatigue’ as many ask is Africa just a bottomless pit into which endless resources of aid are poured, with little to show for it in the end? I have long argued that we need not only to tackle global poverty through charity, but also through practical measures that enable people to help themselves. Is it actually possible to see real progress towards sustainability and a better life for the world’s most vulnerable people?
The problems of East Africa are complex, and require a far greater degree of co-ordination than has so far been possible. The political will of national governments, the support of the international community, the engagement of non-governmental organisations, private sector investment, and local grassroots initiatives are all critical to the success of development.
All too often the international community, or more specifically the former colonial powers, get blamed for interference, and for the destabilisation and disincentivisation of local initiative in these regions. And yet when children are dying, food and water need to be provided fast, it is often the international community which is best equipped for a rapid response. In Britain, we can be encouraged by the swift response from the Department for International Development, and it is my hope that governments of other nations respond as generously – especially countries of the African Union. They cannot vicariously leave it to Kenya and Ethiopia.
But this is not the only response, and not, ultimately, what is needed to secure a better future for the region. In Eastern Kenya, the people living in the most desperate need are often those outside of the refugee camps. They see the refugees inside benefiting from World Food Programme handouts, while outside they struggle to feed themselves and keep their goats and cattle alive. Despite the horrors of life inside the camps, there is real security there - the promise of food, water, and some medical care. Capacity to provide such shelter should be encouraged but we should not forget there is a real need to ensure for those living on the edge, who year after year must eke out an existence in those dry and barren landscapes, are not forgotten. It is also crucial that people get the support locally so that they don’t have to make such perilous journeys to get aid.
To those who want to give up on East Africa, I want to say that progress is indeed being made, and much more progress is within reach. It is amazing how much of a long term difference that a small amount of money makes to these local self help groups. Small, relatively low cost initiatives can radically alter the future for local communities. Advances depend largely upon local initiative, as churches, co-operatives, NGOs and other institutions equip local people to organise and address the intense challenges facing their communities.
For example, the Anglican Diocese of Mbeere is planning to install water run-off tanks on tin roofed churches and schools throughout the diocese.
To read more visit http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/jul/31/somalia-aid-john-sentamu