UCCSA Speaks Out about Famine and Political Instability in Somalia

The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA), spanning five countries, namely Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, is one of the oldest churches in the region, tracing its history back more than 200 years. Over these years, the UCCSA has built up a proud history of championing the cause of the poor, the marginalized and the oppressed and fighting all forms of injustices, institutionalized inequality and human rights abuses perpetrated in particular against the people of the Southern African region.

We write to express our great concern at the grave situation of famine and political instability in Somalia. Since the downfall of President Siad Barre in 1991 Somalia has endured political turmoil and the destruction of what was already a fragile economy. More than one million civilians have died due to famine and persistent wars in Somalia. There has even been a section of the country that has declared unilateral independence and calls themselves the Republic of Somaliland. Although both the United Nations and the African Union have been involved in efforts to quell the wars and bring stability, these efforts have not been sufficient.

To read the rest of the letter, click here: Somalia