Eritrea’s secret famine crisis – ‘They are being left to starve’
By Samuel Okocha
4 September 2011
There is reportedly growing evidence that Eritrea, like other countries in the horn of Africa, is suffering famine despite government’s claims that the population has the food it needs. Over 12 million people are said to be affected by drought and famine-the worst in the region in 60 years. Eritrea claims it is not one of the affected countries in the region. Eritrea, with no free press and no opposition, has made it difficult for its claims of food sufficiency to be verified. Testimonies however suggest the east African country is hiding a glaring case of a drought and famine-hit nation. The BBC reports that malnourished Eritreans, with tales of failed crops and homes without food, are crossing the heavily militarized border at the rate of 900 a month, according to journalists in the region. ”This year I farmed, but there was lack of rain. I don’t know what’s going to happen, only God know,” a refugee Mehrereab said in a Montreal Gazette report. ”There is no food and no grain in the home,” Mehrereab who escaped, leaving his wife and three children behind said. “I don’t have any idea what’s going to happen to them.” The American ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, says Eritreans are most likely suffering the very same food shortages that have been seen throughout the horn of Africa. ”They are being left to starve because there is not access, there’s a clear-cut denial of access by the government of Eritrea of food and other humanitarian support for its people,” the BBC quoted her as saying. According to the BBC, most UN agencies that could help out have been denied access to Eritrea while most aid agencies have been sent packing.
