Catholic leaders across Eastern Africa are urging prayers and action this Lent for millions facing a deepening drought crisis. Source: OSV News.
Church officials say 20 million to 25 million people in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia need humanitarian aid as failed rains, intensified by La Niña and other climate factors, devastate the region. Livestock have died, wells are drying up and herding communities are on the move, raising fears of conflict.
Bishop Peter Kihara Kariuki of Marsabit, Kenya, has warned against severe drought conditions in his diocese since December, while highlighting the urgent need for food aid, after years of failed rains or no rains, for extended periods of time.
“It is a very, very dire situation,” said Bishop Kariuki, adding that even the wells and boreholes were drying up.
According to the bishop, in north and northeastern Kenya and the larger Horn of Africa, livestock are people’s main source of livelihood. When they die, “people are left with nothing”, said the bishop.
In Ethiopia, Cardinal Berhaneyesus Deremew Souraphiel of Addis Ababa, called for the protection against man-made and natural disasters in a Lenten message that also urged justice and peace.
“May our prayer extend beyond personal intentions to embrace our neighbours, those suffering from war and displacement, troubled souls, the imprisoned, and all who carry heavy burdens,” Cardinal Souraphiel wrote in his February 16 appeal.
“Let us pray for our leaders to govern with wisdom and integrity, for protection from man-made and natural disasters, and for peace and justice throughout our nation and the entire world,” said the cardinal, whose country is facing a severe drought in south and southeastern regions.
Agencies warn that millions of people in Ethiopia will face acute food insecurity in 2026, as conflict, climate shocks and aid cuts are pushing the country into a crisis, according to the International Rescue Committee. Renewed violence and displacement are driving hunger and child malnutrition.
In December, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network — a leading provider of early warning and analysis on acute food insecurity around the world — said 20 million to 25 million people in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia are in need of humanitarian assistance mainly due to the drought.
FULL STORY
As drought strikes hard, Church leaders in Eastern Africa call for Lenten prayers (By Fredrick Nzwili, OSV News)
