Renewed deadly clashes in north-central Somalia send thousands fleeing in October – UN

Some 18 people have been killed and 60 injured due to ongoing fighting in Gaalkacyo, Somalia, over the past two weeks, according to the United Nations humanitarian wing, which also reported today that more than 75,000 people have been displaced, though local authorities have indicated that the number could be higher as more people continue to flee the violence.

In an update on the situation in Gaalkacyo, which is in the north-central part of the country, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said local authorities estimate that some 20 per cent of the fatalities and injuries are from stray bullets, and 60 per cent 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 promise to bring peace this time as well.

An assessment conducted by humanitarian agencies and local authorities reported no civilians currently 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 this morning.

There is also an urgent need for humanitarian aid, as all the resources previously deployed will no longer be enough if people continue to flee their homes.

Humanitarian partners in Somalia are scaling up response to displaced people after violence broke out in Gaalkacyo on 7 October 2016. Photo: OCHA/Guled Isse

Humanitarian partners report 13 IDP settlements in south Gaalkacyo and eight more in the north of the city abandoned. 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 per cent of whom are women, children and elderly – will be effected by potential natural hazards, such as flooding.

There is also little to no access to the port of Bossaso due to the fighting, which has affected Gaalkacyo’s livestock and trade. In addition, all schools remain closed due to the violence, which has affected more than 20,000 students.

The danger of the armed conflict and concerns about staff safety have prevented humanitarian agencies from easily moving around the area to assist the population, resulting in a limited movement of humanitarian supplies.