FIGHTING IN CENTRAL SOMALIA DISPLACES 1,500 FAMILIES

FIGHTING IN CENTRAL SOMALIA DISPLACES 1,500 FAMILIES

NAIROBI, 24 December (OCHA) -- Repeated fighting between clans in Galgaduud region in central Somalia has led to the displacement of over 1,500 families.  The majority of the displaced are women, young children and the elderly.  An estimated 400 to 500 households fled fighting between the militia of the Marehan and Dir in Heraale, Abudwaaq district, and another 1,100 households fled fighting between the Murusade and Duduble clans in Elbur district.  According to a recent assessment by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the Food Security Assessment Unit of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the humanitarian consequences are serious.

Fighting has led to the destruction of houses, water stores, and the looting and killing of livestock.  The displaced live in poorly constructed shelters made of sticks and cloth that provide little protection against the weather.  Access to clean water and health facilities is limited, and poor autumn rains have caused additional hardship for people and have adversely affected the health of livestock.  With the loss of their herds, many of the displaced have lost their main source of livelihood. 

Efforts by clan elders to reconcile the differences between the various militia groups in both disputes have so far been unsuccessful.  “I urge the conflicting parties to refrain from further fighting, to resolve their differences peacefully and to ensure that the rights of civilians are fully respected”, said Calum McLean, chief of OCHA for Somalia.  “To be able to offer assistance, the humanitarian community must be allowed unrestricted and safe access to those affected”, he added. 

No international aid agencies are currently working in the conflict area and there has been no access by the United Nations for years due to a combination of fighting, poor infrastructure and landmines. 

For further information, please contact:  Calum McLean, OCHA Somalia, mobile:  254 733 525 382.

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