UN: Somali Refugees Surpass 1 Million in Horn of Africa

Posted July 17th, 2012 at 1:15 pm (UTC-5)
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The United Nations refugee agency says the number of Somalis who have fled their country has surpassed 1 million.

According to the agency, most of the refugees are fleeing to neighboring Kenya and Ethiopia.

The most recent arrivals — like previous ones — cite continued unrest and food shortages in Somalia.

However, the outflow of refugees has slowed dramatically in the last year.

Spokesman Andy Needham says the drought situation is much better compared to last year, although inadequate rainfall continues to be a problem.

Also, al-Shabab militants have lost much of the territory they controlled. However, the U.N. agency is concerned fighting will increase again, as Somalia tries to replace its transitional government next month.