Briefly: U.N. holds funding appeal in Somali capital

MOGADISHU — The U.N. has launched its aid appeal for Somalia in the capital, Mogadishu, for the first time in two decades.

The U.N. on Tuesday said that $1.3 billion is needed for programs from 2013 to 2015 that will assist 3.8 million people.

The acting humanitarian coordinator for Somalia, Stefano Porretti, said that while the humanitarian situation in Somalia remains critical, the improvement in food stocks and new-found security in the capital present an opportunity to break the cycle of recurring crises brought on by drought and conflict.

He said it is “imperative” that the world continue to support humanitarian work in Somalia.

The U.N. has faced criticism for operating its Somalia aid operations from neighboring Kenya.

But recently, the U.N. and other aid groups have begun to move back into Mogadishu.