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Date:         Fri, 2 Oct 1992 15:32:41 CST
Reply-To:     chowning@acuvax.acu.edu
From:         Richard Chowning <chowning@ACUVAX.ACU.EDU>
Subject:      Fw: Somalia: More local news

------------------------------
From: "Luvisia Bakuli" <bakuli@SML8.ECS.UMASS.EDU>
Thu, 1 Oct 1992 21:36:33 -0400
To:           ANDY WILSON <AJW17733@ACUVAX.BITNET>,
              Richard Chowning <CHOWNING@ACUVAX.BITNET>,
              Rod Calder <RMC73288@ACUVAX.BITNET>,
              Todd Thomas <LTT75326@ACUVAX.BITNET>,
              Lee Powell Higginbottom <LPH21501@ACUVAX.BITNET>
Subject: Somalia: More local news

Students Look to Somalia
Committee addresses famine problem

By Emily Gold
Daily Collegian, U. of Mass.

(Amherst, October 1) - Though Somalia's severe famine is
located on the other side of the world, a group of students in the
Five College community are attempting to increase awareness of the
famine by supporting movements to bring in food and reconstruct the
nation.

The ``Help Somalia Committee'' which was formed in August by graduate
students Hassan Mohamed and Tim Mitchell, encourages students to
publicize the issue, write letters to the United Nations and the U.S.
government and make donations to organizations aiding Somalia.

``When we first came together, [our goal was] to raise awareness
about the problem in Somalia [and] encourage the international
community to intervene'', says Mohamed.

According to Mohamed, the crisis is due to a a series of three civil
wars in Somalia. In January, 1991, rebel factions began the first war
by overthrowing military dictators.

However, these factions were unable to form a unified government,  ,
causing a second war between the rebel groups. In Nov. 1991, a
disagreement between Somalia's entering civilian president and his
military chief of staff led to a war between members of the same
faction, ended by the United Nations.

``The destruction of structure led to famine'', says Mohamed, who said
he believes the absence of government made it impossible for Somalia
to produce its exports and engage in trade to meet its economic
needs.

The Help Somalia group's position statement says that each day, 1000
to 2000 people mainly children die in Somalia.

``Seeing little bodies on the ground is [is disturbing],'' said
Sophomore Isatou Bojang, an undeclared major who represented the
African Students Association at the meeting. ``Over the summer I saw a
lot of news about Somalia, and it was sad. I really felt that I could
do something.''

According to the position statement, these deaths are due to
starvation, malnutrition, and various diseases.

``The acute p[problem at the moment is starvation,'' says Mohamed.
``What is needed is to flood the country with food.''

According to Mohamed, the food brought to the Somalia is distributed
in the cities forcing starving people to travel, often causing death
before they reach the cities.

``People in remote areas don't have access to that food,'' says
Mohamed. ``What is needed is to stop that process.''

In addition to supporting an increase of food, the committee promotes
long-term goals such as peacekeeping, medical care, and economic
development of the nation.

``Six months down the line, another catastrophe could arise,'' says
Mitchell. ``Throwing food at a problem will only make it go away for a
while.''

In an earlier meeting, publicity and fundraising groups were formed to
promote the committee's goals.

By setting up an information table in the Campus Center, petitions
were signed, approximately 300 letters were written  to Congress and
about $300 was donated to the Red Cross and the International  Medical
Corps.

On October 23rd, Amherst College will have a ``Somalia Day'', which
will include speakers, dancing and other related activities. On
October 24, an ``Afrique Benefit'' dance will be held in Northampton.

On October 26th, Hazel MacFerson will speak at Amherst College on
conflict resolution in Somalia. In addition, the Help Somalia
Committee will hold its next meeting on October 13 at 7 p.m. in the
Campus Center.

``Mitchel encourages students to to ``be involved in the local area to
raise funds, to publicize the issue, and to help organize
activities.''

``Governments cannot act without the public pressure,'' adds Mohamed.

===================================
_____________________________________________________________________
Chelagoi               alias                         Richard Chowning

chowning@acuvax.acu.edu                  Abilene Christian University
chowning@acuvax.bitnet                                 Abilene, Texas
rchowning@igc.org                               Voice: (915) 674-3754
_______________________________________________________________________