Somali conflict claims 18, many displaced
FIGHTING in Somalia over the past two weeks has claimed the lives of 18 people, injured 60 and displaced more than 75 000.
The UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that violence in Gaalkacyo could have claimed more victims than officially reported as people continued to flee the violence.
In an update on the situation in Gaalkacyo, in the north central part of the country, local authorities estimate that some 20% of the fatalities and injuries are from stray bullets, and 60% of the internally displaced (IDPs) in north Gaalkacyo face secondary displacement.
Approximately 40 000 people have faced secondary displacement, moving to the outskirts of the town.
Almost a year ago, the political leadership at the federal level and the regional bodies such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) launched successful efforts towards a cessation of hostilities.
They promised to bring peace this time as well. An assessment by humanitarian agencies and local authorities reported no civilians within the fighting perimeter.
However, the lack of progress to establish peace in the region has been stressed by the locals.
OCHA also reported fresh clashes on Monday morning. There is also an urgent need for humanitarian aid as all the resources deployed will no longer be enough if people continue to flee their homes.
Humanitarian partners report that 13 IDP settlements in south Gaalkacyo and eight more were abandoned in the north of the city.
The displaced people are in need of shelters, food, water and sanitation services and protection, according to the OCHA update.
With the Deyr rainy season under way, many displaced persons – 80% of whom are women, children and elderly – will be affected by potential natural hazards such as flooding.
All schools remain closed due to the violence, which has affected more than 20000 students. The danger of the armed conflict and concerns about staff safety have prevented humanitarian agencies from easily moving around the area to help the population, resulting in limited movement of supplies. – ANA