The African Union is to hold a summit to obtain pledges of help for the victims of Somalia's famine.
More than 12 million people in Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti are affected by the worst drought in 60 years.
The United Nations says that the crisis is intensifying,
More than two million people have fled Somalia for neighbouring countries.
The BBC reports there has been considerable criticism in the African media of the failure of the continent's leaders to help the hungry across the Horn of Africa.
During a visit to Somalia, AU deputy chairman Erasmus Mwencha said the conference would bring heads of state and international donors together. He gave no date for the event.
