Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) – SOMALIA

Meanwhile in Mogadishu, the week saw some of its worst attacks especially during late afternoons and evenings since the cessation of hostilities in April 2007. Every day of the week was marked by clashes between Ethiopian/TFG troops and anti-government elements causing an estimated unconfirmed 23 casualties and about 50 others injured among the civilian population. For instance on 2 August, at least 10 civilians were reportedly killed and over 25 injured when bombs and firing exchange took place. On 30 July, business at Bakara market came to a standstill again when government troops sealed off the market after eight people were injured in an attack. The incidents triggered more movement out of the city.

Belet-Weyne in Hiran region was the scene of fierce clashes triggered by an attack on a water truck driver delivering water to an Ethiopian military base. Following the incident, Ethiopian troops arrested four suspects which resulted in a demonstration by the community. Allegedly, in the evening the troops shelled indiscriminately at residential areas killing at least four people and wounding about six others. It is reported that the incident caused movement of residents from the affected locations heading out to rural areas or other places in the town.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Mine Action delivered on 31 July equipment to the AU troops to assist them in removing and destroying land mines. The equipment included sets of protective clothing and mine detectors. There are also plans to initiate working with Somalia Action Mine agencies in the future to help the Somali troops be able to de-mine their own homeland after more than 16 years of civil war.

The European Union (EU) announced on 27 July to give US$ 13.7 million in humanitarian aid to help Somalis suffering from civil conflict and natural hazards. The money is to meet the needs of approximately 1.5 million Somalis who are most affected by civil strife and extreme natural hazards, particularly those in South/Central Somalia. The aid will mainly be spent on health, nutrition, food security, water and sanitation. The European Commission said that a further 4 million euros will be allocated for food aid operations in the near future.

Returns and Displacements

Following the sporadic violence in Mogadishu, more people continue to be displaced with about 22,000 reported in the month of July compared to 6,300 in June. In addition to the violence, UNHCR reported that many of those interviewed stated ‘arbitrary arrests’ by Ethiopian/TFG troops as a principle reason for leaving Mogadishu. The other reasons include increased mortar attacks and lack of livelihood options in the city.

Access and Response

Roadblocks on various roads in South/Central have continued to impede access. A WFP convoy from Kismayo to Buale was held at a road block during the week in Jilib for three days by local militia, demanding passage fees. The trucks were eventually released after successful negotiations between the transporter and the militia. Restricted access along the transport routes in Middle and Lower Juba continue to cause delays in movement of humanitarian cargo. In addition, poor road conditions caused two trucks to over-turn in the same region.

Local authorities in Afmadow succeeded to clear roadblocks during the week, but the same exercise was unsuccessful in Kismayo. It is reported that since the attempted roadblock clearing in Kismayo, the number of roadblocks have almost doubled in the area. Security personnel have been instructed by local authorities to take stern action against any attempts to establish new illegal road blocks. 

Since the start of the inter-agency air cargo operation on 6 June 2007, a total of 207mt of relief items have been airlifted into Somalia. More than 10 organisations have thus far made use of the service. More requests are expected especially as organizations seek to pre-position aid in the wake of Deyr rains (October – December).

Non Food Items and shelter materials were distributed during the week to 4,680 IDPs in south Galkayo. The families are among those that have been fleeing Mogadishu since the beginning of conflict in February.