As African Heads of State convene in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia this weekend for the annual African Union (AU) summit, action against hunger will have a key presence for this year’s conference.
The Assembly takes place at a time when 46 million people across the Horn of Africa—are in urgent need of food assistance. People in the region, already facing chronic inequality and cycles of conflict, are expected to be forced to confront a sixth failed rainy season.
In addition, climate change has spurred the region’s worst drought in 40 years, leaving mothers and children alike on the verge of death. Crops have been destroyed, livestock have perished, and people struggle each day to find enough to eat.
Globally, women are disproportionately impacted by hunger. They are also in unique positions to prevent deadly malnutrition and to lead sustainable solutions to climate change, hunger, and inequity in their households and communities.
In response to this crisis, NGOs are urging world leaders to make significant reforms to famine prevention efforts. The International Rescue Committee, World Vision International, and Action Against Hunger are pushing to reenergize the UN High-Level Task Force on preventing famine.
During the Assembly, the African Union will be launching the Africa Humanitarian Agency and will spotlight political and socio-economic issues and determine ways to advance the welfare of all African citizenry.
“Action Against Hunger stands in support of the African Union’s focus,” said Alvin Munyasia, the organization’s Advocacy and Communication Specialist for the Horn and Eastern Africa.
“We’re especially concerned with building peace and security throughout Africa, advancing the global political, financial, and energy policies surrounding the food crisis, learning from the African Union’s response to COVID-19, and prioritizing ways to halt climate change’s catastrophic effects on the continent.”
“It is more urgent than ever to act now, especially when hunger is preventable and treatable,” said Albert Siminyu, Action Against Hunger’s Regional Director for the Horn and Eastern Africa.
“Preventing famine should be our top priority, and it is only through collaborative action that we can ensure progress. Here at the Summit, we’re promoting inclusive, sustainable, and innovative initiatives to tackle hunger throughout the continent.”
“It is up to us to take action, and we must take action now,” Siminyu said. “We hope this Summit will encourage people that collaboration is our only key to success.”
