The “Emergency Imaginary,” Somalia, and Representations of Africa

Dear Readers,

We at The CIHA Blog have been paying close attention to the discourse surrounding the causes, consequences, and images of the current famine in the Horn of Africa.  Once again, we believe it is necessary to look more deeply into the actual suffering of people as well as the construction of the “emergency imaginary” (Calhoun et al) that surrounds the current famine.  Below we provide you with a selection of pieces that probe these discourses and debates.  We hope that you will suggest additional resources and let us know what you think of the important issues raised by these discussions.

Cecelia Lynch, Editor and Tanya B. Schwarz, Editorial Assistant

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“Famine in the Horn of Africa: Malthus Beware”
by William G. Moseley in Aljazeera

In this article, Moseley questions the tendency to “isolate population growth as the key environmental problem in the poorest regions of the world,” and points to other possible factors leading to the famine.

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“Behind Africa’s famine, more than just drought. Famine isn’t inevitable”
by William G. Moseley in The Washington Post

Moseley argues that while food security issues are a factor in the famine, that another primary factor is the Western agricultural development model which is untenable for many of Africa’s poorest farmers.

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“Famine in Somalia: It’s The Politics… stupid”
by Richard Dowden in African Arguments

In this piece, Dowden challenges the assumption that drought is the primary cause of the famine. Instead, he contends that political factors are to blame – particularly the contentious relationship between the U.S. and al-Shabaab.

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“Somalia was a sideshow in the war on terror – and is paying a colossal price”
by Madeleine Bunting in The Guardian

Bunting introduces the possibility that the removal of the “relatively moderate Islamic Courts Union” may have played a part in the rise of al-Shabaab and the subsequent famine.

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“Somali voices remain eerily silent in press reports about raging famine”
by Rasna Warah in Daily Nation

In this article, Warah questions the media coverage of the famine in Somalia and highlights the absence of Somali voices.

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“Famine in Somalia: The story you are not likely to hear any time soon”
by Rasna Warah in Daily Nation

“How famine makes unscrupulous businessmen fabulously wealthy”
by Rasna Warah in Daily Nation

“The unholy alliance in Somalia: Media, donors and aid agencies”
by Rasna Warah in The East African

In these three pieces, Warah sheds light on the role of humanitarian agencies and corruption in the famine. She questions whether or not these agencies may actually be exacerbating the situation.

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“Behind East Africa’s famine”

The Aljazeera program Inside Story features William Moseley, Mohammed Omer Mukhier, and Cleo Paskal in a discussion about the underlying causes of the famine.

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