UN Declares Crisis in Somalia

The UN says 350,000 people in parts of rebel-controled Somalia are being affected by famine.

A statement released  by the UN states the famine exists in the regions of southern Bakool and lower Shabelle. Both areas are controlled by al-Qaida inspired Shebab insurgents. According to the statement, the ongoing conflict in Somalia has made it extremely difficult for agencies to operate and access communities in the south of the country.

Mark Bowden, a UN spokesperson, warns that unless urgent action is taken, the famine will "spread to all eight regions of southern Somalia within two months". He says this is due to poor harvests and infectious disease outbreaks.