Somalia

Since the collapse of the Siad Barre regime in 1991, Somalia has fallen into a seemingly endless cycle of violence and insecurity. In early 2007, increased fighting in the capital drove more than 400,000 additional people from Mogadishu. Almost a quarter have now returned, but most Somalis remain vulnerable throughout the country, affected by ongoing conflict, chronic drought and recent flooding. CRS has been carrying out contingency planning in Ethiopia and Kenya, and is coordinating with Caritas Somalia and other local partners to provide support as emergency needs arise. CRS is also giving financial and technical assistance to a Caritas Somalia clinic in Baidoa that provides essential health care services free of charge to anyone in the region.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops sent a letter to the United States government expressing its concern and requesting diplomatic efforts to stop the violence and take concrete steps to resolve the crisis. Please see the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' website for more details.