JJ�s Efforts In Somalia Puts A Responsibility On Gov�t To Help The Drought-hit Country

An International Relations Expert, Dr. Yao Gerber, has applauded the African Union (AU) for its decision to hold a pledge summit to help victims of the Somalia�s drought. Even though the date for the summit is not certain, the AU said the pledging conference would bring together heads of state and international donors. The statement comes after considerable criticism by the African media on the failure of the continent's leaders to help famine victims across the Horn of Africa. Dr. Gerber, speaking on Xfm�s �The Big Bite� morning show said the AU�s pledge effort will go a long way to propel other international donors to help Somalia. According to him, Ghana should play a pivotal role in organising both material and financial assistance to Somalia because of its pioneering status on the continent as well as former President Rawlings' initiative for the Somali people. In a related development, the Managing Editor of the Focus Newspaper, Kofi Twum Boafo says Ghana should consider giving aid to Somalia; because what is happening in that country �could happen to us�. The United Nations has declared famine in parts of Somalia as it suffers the worst drought in more than half a century. An estimated Twelve million are at risk of starvation as the drought and famine intensifies across the Horn of Africa.