Somalia: Clashes displace 85,000 people

Somalia has been at civil war for over 25 years and clashes between the clan-based militias who controls much of the country are common.

The region of Galkayo in the center of Somalia hosts about 85,000 internally displaced refugees who fled the fighting between the forces of Puntland and Galmudug.

The Norwegian Council for Refugees is concerned over the humanitarian conditions and degrading punishment faced by these refugees.

The fighting between the forces of the two regions since October 7 has also led to the fleeing of hundreds of people who have found refuge in the forests.

“Most of them have fled to the bush around the city, so we are rather worried about them, they are without protection, without drinking water, and without food. We encounter problems, and we also encounter difficulties in our return” said Gabriella Waaijman Regional Director, NNorwegian refugee Council.

Galkayo has witnessed frequent clashes between clans or rival groups who are opposed to the central Government of Somalia.

“It has been a disputed territory for many years. Peace is important so we want to initiate a genuine peace process. It is something that is part of the construction for the Somali State therefore attempts have already been held, but this must be accelerated and must lead to the peace on the ground.’‘ Waaijman added.

In December 2015. At least 20 people had been killed, 120 injured and more than 90,000 had been taken after violent fighting between militias loyal to the Galmudug and the Puntland around Galkayo.

The U.N.‘s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said, “The fear that the conflict may last longer than anticipated is driving more people out of their homes,”

Most of the displaced are women, children and the elderly who were already living in camps and have now fled for a second time to the outskirts of town, it said.

There are 1.1 million displaced people in Somalia, around one in ten people, often living in dire conditions.