Norway is allocating more than NOK 300 million to the drought-stricken countries on the African Horn and to Kenya.The Government gives priority to intensifying Norwegian efforts in Africa.

“We will intensify efforts to prevent humanitarian crises and improve food security in Africa. The affected countries themselves have a great responsibility and we will support them in it”, said International Development Minister Erik Solheim.

Africa has the world’s greatest humanitarian needs and the largest number of refugees and internally displaced persons. In addition to many countries being affected by armed conflict, poor food security and undernourishment are a growing problem on the African Horn and in East and southern Africa.

“On the Horn, the drought is worst in the southern parts of Ethiopia and Somalia and northeastern Kenya, in the border zone between the three countries. Somalians are severely affected in all of the countries. So far, there have been few contributions to the UN’s humanitarian efforts, which is a cause for concern”, said Mr Solheim.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is allocating NOK 300 million to alleviate the crisis on the African Horn. Of this, NOK 70 million is earmarked for emergency efforts. The rest of the funds will be used for longer-term measures. This money is additional to Norway’s earlier allocation of NOK 200 million to the UN’s new disaster relief fund. Monies from that fund will also be used on the African Horn.

Press contact: Information Adviser Trine Broe-Andersen, mobile + 47 47 64 74 60