You're reading: Muslim nations to discuss Somalia famine (updated)

ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkey's prime minister on Wednesday urged rich Muslim nations to come to famine-hit Somalia's aid, saying they bore some responsibility for the crisis for ignoring the poverty in the country.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the remarks in an opening speech of an emergency meeting of the 57-nation Organization of Islamic Cooperation — formerly known as the Islamic Conference — to discuss the famine in Somalia and press for assistance for the wider Horn of Africa region.

Erdogan told a dozen foreign ministers and other officials present that Islam dictates "that you do not go to bed full if your neighbor is hungry."

"If we had fulfilled our responsibilities, would our brethren nation Somalia be in this situation?" he asked. "This is not only a test for the Somali people, it is a test for all humanity."

"Of course we cannot expect those who have throughout history exploited the resources of Somalia and of Africa, to show sensitivity to the tragedy," he said in a swipe at Western nations.

More than 12 million people in the Horn of Africa need food aid, according to the United Nations.

But the situation has become far more grave in Somalia because al-Qaida-linked militants have banned many aid organizations from distributing food in the areas under their control. Members of al-Shabab have even killed people trying to flee southern Somalia, saying it is better to starve than accept help from the West.

The U.N. estimates that 2.8 million Somalis need food aid, and 2.2 million of them live outside the capital in areas controlled by the rebels.

Somali President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed blamed the drought and al-Shahab for the crisis in his country.

"Aid organizations are trying to help, and they are doing their best, but we are facing terrorism," he told delegates. Somalis are trying to save their lives, they are fleeing."

Turkey has collected some $110 million in public donations for Somalia so far and has flown several tons of food and medical aid.

Erdogan travels to the country on Thursday to visit refugee camps in the region and to formally open a Turkish camp and field hospital.

Besides Somalia, the drought has also hit Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti.