The ongoing conflict in Somalia and the escalation of conflict in Ethiopia severely challenges national and local capacities to respond to humanitarian needs. In addition, both Somalia and Ethiopia have been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. This has greatly increased food insecurity and has detrimentally affected already limited health services.

This seminar aimed to offer a better understanding of both contexts and discuss possible solutions. In particular the seminar explored how can we expect the situation to unfold over the near future? What are national capacities and intentions to respond to multiple crises? How can humanitarian actors cooperate with authorities and other stakeholders? To what extent are humanitarian actors needed?

Panelists:

• Stig Jarle Hansen, Professor at NMBU
• Kjetil Tronvoll, Professor at Bjorknes University College, and Managing Director of Oslo Analytica
• Ramon Olaf Broers, Senior adviser at NorCross

This seminar was moderated by Kathrine Holden, Head of the Humanitarian Needs and Analysis unit, NorCross.

This seminar was organised by the Norwegian Red Cross in cooperation with NCHS, and held on 17 December 2020.