This paper explores effects that peace and war have on the dissemination of foreign aid in the developing countries. War is an episode characterized by the existence of brutal conflicts including societal disorder, high mortality and excessive aggression; it occurs mainly between groups with the goal of altering material and psychological hierarchy. However, peace is a condition of harmony which is different by the absence of hostility, retribution and violence. War and peace have significantly had an impact on distribution and attraction of foreign aid among African countries. Foreign aid refers to technical, military and economic support offered by a country to another with the aim of rehabilitation and relief for mutual defense or economic stabilization. The paper will also discuss the extension of foreign aid as a way of bridging warfare and poverty. The study covers Somalia, one of the developing countries in Africa. (Warsame 2012).
Positive and Negative Effects of Peace and War on Foreign Aid
Foreign aid distributions are established to help address needs of poor people in the society; it plays the major role in sustaining social and economic activities in developing countries. Foreign aids ensure economic growth and better-living conditions of these countries.
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The war in Somalia has restrained access to citizens’ livelihood, security and basic needs. Also, it has decreased locations that can be assisted by foreign aids. Interview study that took place in Mogadishu identified that the residents were afraid walking around, resulting in difficulties to survive during military activities. ( Hammon and Vaughan-Lee 2012)
Wars have an influence has an impact on the dissemination of foreign aid among the developing countries; this is due to subsequent impediments which hold back efficient movements. Somalia has faced civil wars for decades because of the absence of proper government. Effects of war include starving population, disease outbreaks, citizen’s displacement into refugee camps and poor infrastructure. Somalia has received an enormous amount of foreign aid to help address its recent problems, however, due to continuous occurrence of war, no significant gain has been observed. . ( Hammon and Vaughan-Lee 2012)
Humanitarian aids have changed phases and nature of war in Somalia. In 1990, the war in Mogadishu was major between diverse factions, a division of the city into enclaves. The citizens had two choices to survive, to move or hide. Though, between 2007 and 2011 succeeding intermediation by Africa Union Mission in Somalia and Ethiopian troop, frontlines became lucid.
Peace is a major aspect in the efficient dissemination of foreign aid. Developing nations that sustain witness order development from social concerns which grow because of their economic status. The function of foreign aid is to offer assistance concerning issues such as disease outbreaks (HIV) and famine.
Leadership uses to of Foreign aid to reduce problems caused by Warfare
Somalia leadership has not used Foreign aids to reduce problems caused by warfare, alternatively taken advantage of these aids for their personal growth. In the 1970s, Somalia government under the power of Said Barre exploited international aids that were meant for the harsh food scarcity from 1973 to 1974. It repeated itself during Ogaden War between Somalia and Ethiopia.
( Grunewald 2012)
Effects of foreign aid on warfare and poverty in Somalia
Foreign aid has not assisted in reducing poverty and warfare in Somalia which has been caused by lack of participation by the community. Community elders and leaders involved in the decision-making process of selection of needy individuals in the community are often corrupt. Hence the aids benefit those in power instead of the needy.
Foreign aid is capable of increasing level of wars or conflict in a nation. The condition can become worse by setting up a parallel economy. The conflict between sub-clan militias intensified following the growth of financial assistance by UN to Mogadishu. Most leaders of various factions throughout UNOSOM period utilized funds offered from international sources to cling onto power, attain support and develop their positions as warlords. They also compensate the huge amount of cash for protection to the authorities to operate in Somalia.( Grunewald 2012).
The rate of poverty in Somalia has risen instead of declining since foreign aids have confined developing countries to dependency, corruption, increased poverty and market distortion. In 1998, assistance in Somalia by World Bank resulted to rise in reliance on foreign food, this reduced motivation to cultivate local crops.
In conclusion, donors should revise foreign aid policies with Somalia to ensure that the disbursed aid serves the community interests and needs of its citizens despite their geographic locations or ethnic backgrounds. The government should make sure foreign aid assist in solving problems caused by warfare to improve the living condition of its citizens and for economic growth. Somalia government should work closer with international Foreign aid initiatives in making sure that persons who are in critical need of help be reached and assisted where required. Also, in providing adequate security for them to motivate and work towards helping the nation for economic growth.
References
Grunewald, F. (2012). Aid in a City at War: the Case of Mogadishu, Somalia. Disasters, 36(1), 105-125.
Hammon, L., and Vaughan-Lee, H. (2012).Humanitarian Space in Somalia: a Scarce Commodity. Humanitarian Policy Group Working Paper.
The Ethiopia-Somalia War of 1977 Revisited, Gebru Tareke, The International Journal of African Historical Studies 2000
Warsame, H. A. (2012). Role of International Aid and Open Trade Policies in Rebuilding the Somali State. Bildhaan, 11, 51-72.
CNN. “Relief Agencies: Somalia Too Dangerous for Us to Work.” 2008. Retrieved online
at edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/03/25/somalia.crisis/.
