UPDATE - UN raises $2.4 billion for drought-hit Horn of Africa region

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By Betul Yuruk

UNITED NATIONS (AA) - The United Nations has raised $2.4 billion for the drought-stricken Horn of Africa region, a spokesperson announced Wednesday.

The UN is seeking $7 billion for Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia to support the humanitarian response in the region.

The US announced $524 million in additional humanitarian assistance at a pledging conference Wednesday that was co-hosted by the UK, Qatar, US and the UN.

"A storm of crises has pushed millions across the Horn of Africa to the brink. A long, protracted drought has exacerbated acute food insecurity," said US envoy to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield. "Thirty-six million people now rely on humanitarian assistance, and as we speak, the threat of famine looms larger still. In a world abundant with food, entire communities should never, never starve to death. Never."

The announcement brings total US humanitarian assistance for response efforts to more than $1.4 billion in 2023.

She urged collective responsibility for a global problem, adding that "the global community is simply not meeting the moment."

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the Horn of Africa was facing the longest drought on record.

"We must act now to prevent crisis from turning into catastrophe," he said.

Guterres urged donors and the international community to urgently fund the 2023 humanitarian response plans for the region.

Germany announced $226 million in humanitarian assistance for Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya while the UK pledged $178 million for East Africa.