G7 nations are urged to act NOW to help end drought crisis in East Africa

17 May 2023 , 20:13

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Drought has left 36 million facing severe hunger (Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)

Oxfam has demanded that rich G7 countries take immediate action over the drought crisis in East Africa that is killing one person every 30 seconds.

The call comes just weeks after the Daily Mirror highlighted the horrific “forgotten famine” that is ravaging the region.

Campaigners dressed as G7 leaders including Rishi Sunak and US president Joe Biden stood in front of 6ft letters spelling “famine” yesterday in Trafalgar Square, Central London.

The action came as G7 leaders prepare for their summit in Japan this weekend. At 2021’s summit in the UK, held in Cornwall, the G7 committed an initial £5billion in humanitarian assistance to 42 countries at risk of catastrophe and famine.

Campaigners dressed as G7 leaders in London (Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

But Magnus Corfixen, Oxfam’s humanitarian lead, said: “G7 leaders have failed to live up to their commitments made two years ago. We know that the UK Government in particular made promises to do more to address the crisis in East Africa but we haven’t seen them fulfil their commitment as of now.”

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Climate-induced drought in the region – covering Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya and South Sudan – has left 36 million facing severe hunger.

The Mirror visited northern Kenya in April, where people have suffered six failed consecutive rainy seasons.

Our front page highlighting the ongoing disaster

War in Sudan has further increased pressure on South Sudan, with more than 30,000 refugees having fled to the neighbouring country since fighting broke out last month.

The World Health Organisation warned in March that food insecurity across East African countries had left 129,000 in the Horn of Africa “literally looking death in the eyes”.

Andy Lines