The serious situation which has again risen in Somalia is not only due to the last two years of drought but the continued unrest and civil war in the country which has persisted over many years.

The marauding bands of militants don’t seem to be affected by the drought conditions. It has been reported that these people have attempted to dissuade the refugees from leaving the country.

Naturally, the shocking pictures of women and children starving and dying prompt many of us to respond to the requests for aid with the promise it will reach the legitimate aid organisations.

The saddest fact of all is that most of the children and babies have obviously been conceived during the last couple of years of this on-going situation.

J Beisly Osprey Close, York