Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Fides Service)-“We appeal to the international community to see this arid land needs immediate help. We call for general political and social mobilisation to guarantee the right of access to water, fundamental for life”. This appeal was launched by the Coordinamento di Iniziative Popolari di Solidarietà Internazionale (CIPSI) and Comitato di Collaborazione Medica (CCM) in a joint statement on the serious food crisis affecting the Moyale people in Kenya and parts of Ethiopia and Somalia.
The media in Kenya say the root of the crisis is prolonged drought. Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki has said the “famine is a national disaster” and called for international help because 10% of the people in his country are in danger of starving to death.
Sabina Tangerini of CCM says “We have worked to assist these people for years. Water scarcity is chronic here and the people know well how to save water. There is no water in the land of the Borana and the chain of events is now evident. The animals are dying (70%); food prices are rocketing; it is feared people will move en masse in search of more fertile land. Water holes are dry and hope has run out. Our health projects for the future are destined to stop”. The Borana people in Moyale district, called the forgotten people by the Kenyan Human Rights Commission - says Guido Barbera, President of the CIPSI - is “at last” coming out of its silence.
Like all African peoples they are rich in traditions and teachings with regard to the use of natural resources and they risk being known only because of this drought yet another tragedy.
The UN World Food Programme and the Kenyan government in a joint statement dated 8 February said there are 3.5 million people in danger due to drought in north east and east Kenya and they appealed form 230 million US dollars to send to people affected by the famine. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 8/2/2006 righe 38 parole 480)
