Growing up as a musician in South Africa I witnessed first hand the man-made obscenity that was apartheid and used music to protest against injustice.
Apartheid is now consigned to the history books, but another obscenity still exists on our continent. A famine in Somalia that has killed 30,000 children in 3 months.
Yet the current crisis is a man-made disaster that could have been avoided.
As our leaders prepare to meet next week in Ethiopia to attend a critical summit, please join me in signing ONE’s petition:
The petition reads:
Dear African Leaders,
We are haunted by the famine in Somalia that has killed 30,000 children in 3 months. We respectfully request that you help make this the last famine by:
1) supporting delivery of promised emergency aid;
2) increasing effort on peace and security;
3) keeping the long-term promise toward spending 10% of national budgets on agriculture and food security; and
4) doing so transparently, so citizens can ensure this money is well spent.
With access to suitable seeds, technologies, and improved connections to markets, small-holder farmers can generate more income, send their children to school, help to keep food prices affordable and help lift their communities out of poverty.
When they meet next week our governments must show real leadership and ensure that this is the last famine in Africa.
Please take action now
Thank you for your support,
Hugh Masekela
Musician and ONE member
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