AFRIMA partners UNFPA ahead of 8th edition, seeks end to humanitarian crisis in Somalia

The All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has partnered with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The organisers of AFRIMA disclosed this in a statement on Friday ahead of a series of events billed for the 8th edition of its award ceremony next week in Senegal.

Partnering with UNFPA in its advocacy and humanitarian efforts, AFRIMA has urged political stakeholders and people of influence to shower support towards the UNFPA’s aid efforts in Somalia.

Somalia has been battling security challenges for the past three decades, greatly affecting vulnerable populations.

As the 8th edition tagged ‘Teranga Edition’ draws near, AFRIMA launched its ‘Hope For Somalia’ campaign.

The initiative includes championing policy-stimulating petitions and fostering fundraisers.

The award organisers said the development is to help alleviate the harsh impact of the crisis on Somalians, especially women and girls.

This edition of AFRIMA is scheduled to be held in Dakar, Senegal from January 12 to 15 2023.

Speaking ahead of the award event, Mike Dada, AFRIMA’s executive producer/president, said: “Like the situation in Somalia, a popular narrative about Africa is that it is a war-torn habitat, without any hope for sustainable peace in sight.

“It’s saddening; because the danger of that narrative is that it discourages actual solutions. Somalia has enjoyed peace for years and even bears a reputation for being one of Africa’s most pro-democratic societies.

“We cannot watch and fold our arms, seeing innocent women, children, and Somalis alike have their lives and dreams cut short by the conflict, terrorism, or this climate crisis, without any form of aid or relief.”