EU to give 175 mn euro extra aid to Somalia

EU to give 175 mn euro extra aid to Somalia
Kuwait News Agency
 
BRUSSELS, Aug 5 (KUNA) -- EU Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs Friday announced the decision to step up Europe's long-term commitment to Somalia with an extra 175 million euro in development assistance. The funds will go to Somaliland, Puntland as well as in Central Somalia, where stability is improving and the conditions allow for development assistance to make a difference, he noted in a statement.

"Somalia is going through a severe humanitarian crisis. Drought is the immediate reason for this, but the root causes lie in the deeper structural problems of this fragile state. With this new funding we will contribute to strengthening institutions and will invest in better infrastructure, food security and education, " he said.
Today's aid package brings to 387 million euro the total allocation for Somalia by the EU between 2008-2013. (end) nk.ajs KUNA 051518 Aug 11NNN