(Nairobi, 24 December 2003): 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 400-500 households
fled fighting between the militia of the Marehan and Dir in Heraale, Abudwaaq
district, and another 1,100 households fled fighting between Murusade and
Duduble clans in Elbur district. According to the recent assessment
by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the Food
Security Assessment Unit of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (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.