EU increases funding on African drought victims

EU increases funding on African drought victims

The European Union has said it will increase funding for victims of the drought and famine in the Horn of Africa.

The EU's crisis chief, Kristalina Georgieva said this on Wednesday after visiting Kenya and Somalia.

Georgieva said the European Commission would immediately give a further 28 million euros in addition to the 70 million euros it has given the region this year.

Somalia famine declaration

Recently, the United Nations declared a famine in two regions of Somalia and said it may spread further.

Reports say many years of conflict in southern Somalia have exacerbated the emergency and prevented aid agencies from helping communities.

Somalia rebels had earlier this week reiterated their refusal to allow the UN into the region.

Nearly 135,000 Somalis have fled since January, mainly to neighbouring Kenya and Ethiopia.

"This unprecedented crisis in the Horn of Africa calls for an unprecedented response," Georgieva said after visiting Kenya's Dadaab camp, which shelters 400,000 people.

"On top of the new funding of 27.8 million euros, I have started the process to mobilise another 60 million euros to alleviate the suffering of so many people. This will bring our response to nearly 158 million euros," Georgieva remarked.

REUTERS/Shakira/Williams