'Something dramatic' needed in Somalia

An emaciated Somali refugee lies on a hospital bed in Dagahaley, northern Kenya. With 3.5 million of Somalia's 8 million people on the verge of starvation, and hundreds dying each day, Oxfam last night accused the Government of failing to carry out its responsibilities over the crisis, writes James Roberts. Justin Forsyth, Oxfam's policy adviser, said there was an immediate need for 'something dramatic' to be done to feed the population. As president of the European Commission, and with a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, Britain is in a unique position over the next few months to bring pressure to bear on the international community. The three main UN appeals for Africa this year face a shortfall of dollars 700m. Mr Forsyth said there should be an emergency meeting of the Security Council, and an exceptional meeting of development ministers, who are not due to meet until 18 November.

Death stalks town, page 9

(Photograph omitted)

Leading article, page 14