SOMALIA has been without an effective central government since President Siad Barre was overthrown in 1991.
Years of fighting between rival warlords and an inability to deal with famine and disease have led to the deaths of up to one million people.
In 1991 President Barre was overthrown by opposing clans. But they failed to agree on a replacement and plunged the country into lawlessness and clan warfare.
The Somali people are at a loss in dealing with its famine (ABC 24, The Australian 2/2/12). The sight of sick and dying children who are dehydrated and disease infested is appalling and seems hopeless.
The United Nations and its volunteers and foreign aid make little difference in its attempt to do good for a hungry, desolate people. Some families have travelled hundreds of kilometres to find good water, shelter and sustenance with rice and corn.
Many do not make it.
The past year has seen little change. Foreign aid cannot keep pace. The sight of women and children fighting for food is compelling while governments are at a loss.
Somalia is bordered by Kenya and Ethiopia and shares some of the loneliness and a plea for human rights in places when it would seem impossible to survive.
Those who survived are too weak to fight.
Camps are set up for thousands who live in tents with little water. Women and children fight for food provided by UN groups.
It seems as if the world has forgotten its people and are helpless to bring about change.
However it is a timely reminder for us all that people of drought and famine are desperate to have a place in the world.
The poor call to us.
“We have to be aware of them to love them” – Mother Teresa’s approach seems simple yet challenging, to love unconditionally the poor and to give hope to all people.
Indeed, compassion, love and tolerance of all people in all situations should be the cornerstone for a world that is at times consumed by itself. The world is calling for help.
RUSSELL DARBY
Wakerley, Qld
