Broadcasting vital humanitarian information to drought-stricken Somalia
The famine in Somalia is leaving the country’s population in dire need of reliable information on health, human rights and aid services. Radio ERGO tries to meet some of the needs by providing humanitarian information and news to the Somali population
As the people of Somalia and its surrounding countries are struggling with the worst drought in over half a century, the humanitarian radio service Radio ERGO is on the air broadcasting valuable information in Somali on protection, human rights, conflict prevention, health issues, livestock and farming, and other key issues.
ERGO runs a 15 minute daily round-up at the top of each programme of reporting from the ground on the famine and related issues, including conditions in the IDP camps across the country, and from the villages and towns hardest hit by the drought and famine.
Local communities and international aid working together
Last week the radio set up a discussion between local Somali development organisations, NGO’s and people affected by the famine to make recommendations for local businesses to step in and support local initiatives instead of waiting for external assistance.
Speakers from the non-governmental Somali national civic forum, a medical doctor and a businessman also analysed the governance of Somalia and how to tackle the drought, emphasising that aid needs to be directed to local communities before more people flee across the borders.
This would mean local communities supporting the efforts of the international aid agencies in areas where they have very little or no access.
ERGO has reported on some of the numerous efforts being made by Somalis, both inside Somalia and abroad, to organise food and other assistance for those who have nothing.
The service also provides a link between humanitarian agencies and NGOs and the Somali listeners, helping agencies to communicate information and advocacy messages.
A unique presence across Somalia
With a network of professionally trained Somali correspondents on the ground across the country, Radio ERGO is a vital component in ensuring that Somalis have access to reliable quality information.
The network gives ERGO a unique presence in areas where there are no aid agencies, or where the outside world has limited access. Here the correspondents interview health personnel and Somali doctors who provide crucial health-related information.
A recent survey said the radio is listened to by 70% of the Somalis, and despite its difficult working conditions in a country without a central government for two decades, project manager Louise Tunbridge highlights how trusted the service has become:
– Over the years the radio service achieved a reputation of independence. We are apolitical, and people trust us. Our service has a reputation of credibility, balance and fairness in a very difficult context.
The one-hour daily broadcasts of Radio ERGO are heard across Somalia and the region, including the Kenyan refugee camps on shortwave, and are rebroadcast by seven local FM stations.
IMS supports Radio ERGO through its daughter company IMS Productions ApS with a branch office in Kenya.
