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Nairobi - Some two million Somalis are in need of humanitarian aid,
the US State Department said on Thursday amid increasing violence in
the country.
"Up to two million people are in need of humanitarian assistance and
livelihood support ... due to the cumulative effects of drought
conditions, civil conflict, and large population displacements," it
said in a statement, citing the UN Food Security Analysis Unit for
Somalia.
"Insecurity, sporadic outbursts of violence and border restrictions
continue to impede humanitarian efforts, particularly in southern and
central Somalia.
"Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) cite pervasive harassment,
intimidation, inconsistent taxation and registration policies, and
increased delays at checkpoints as major obstacles to the delivery of
emergency assistance," it added.
In October, the United Nations said some 1.5 million - almost one sixth
of the total population ? were in need of humanitarian assistance.
Meanwhile six people were killed in the capital Mogadishu on Thursday
as the government troops clashed with insurgents, the latest in a
series of fighting in the hapless nation that has lacked an effective
government since dictator Mohamed Siad Barre was ousted in 1991.
Over the past year, the city has been rocked by almost daily violence
pitting Ethiopian-backed Somali forces against Islamist insurgents.
The guerrilla fighting has killed hundreds of civilians and forced tens of thousands to flee.
SOURCE: News24 ,March 21, 2008