Extreme drought could cause up to 20 million people to go hungry in the Horn of Africa region in 2022, Kenya’s Foreign Minister Raychelle Omamo has warned, noting that the situation could fuel conflict in the region.
Omamo made the remarks during the United Nations Security Council open debate on Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Conflict and Food Security.
The Kenyan minister reminded the council that throughout history, sharp and rapid rises in food prices have often been a root cause of social unrest, political instability and violent conflict.
Citing similar links between food shortages and instability in Yemen, Afghanistan and the Sahel region, she said the war in Ukraine is now claiming victims around the world as food prices soar.
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“The fact that we are having this discussion in the Security Council is proof that the recent rise in food insecurity may lead to heightened threats to international peace and security,” Omamo said.
She told the Council that food shortages were impeding the quest for lasting peace, as entire populations were dependent on food aid, which in turn plays a big part in conflict dynamics as militants and belligerents exploit the emergency to entrench their control and access to financing
“This weaponization of food is a matter that should be of concern to all of us at the United Nations Security Council…….. We commiserate with the people of Ukraine and we understand their suffering which is real and regrettable,” she added.
She proposed various solutions to the food crisis in Africa, including shifting its place in the global trading system.
This was, she argued, the continent should no longer solely be the source of raw minerals and cash crops while importing food.
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