Date: 12 Feb 2010
Key Overall Developments
Conflict and Displacement
Mogadishu
Throughout the reporting period, Mogadishu was a battleground between the Transitional Federal Government
(TFG) assisted by the African Mission in Somalia, and insurgents. Civilians were caught in the crossfire killing at
least 50 people and injuring more than 100. According to media reports, the Bakara market, a stronghold for Al
Shabaab, witnessed the worst shelling with more than 10 people reportedly killed. Reports indicate that the
three main hospitals in the capital treated some 158 people suffering from war-wounds.
Following the clashes, there was reportedly increased population movement out of Mogadishu to other relatively
calm areas, especially the Afgooye Corridor. The movement was also triggered by rumours of a possible
military offensive by the TFG against insurgents. Since 1 February, UNHCR reports that 8,100 people have
been displaced from Mogadishu, of whom 5,700 have moved out of the city, including 3,280 who have gone to
the Afgooye corridor. Another 2,400 people have moved within Mogadishu.
Las Caanood (Sool region)
On 6 February, a demonstration was staged in Las Caanood town by people protesting against indiscriminate
arrests during searches by authorities. During the demonstration, a police vehicle knocked down and killed one
person.
Mixed Migration
On 7 February, human smugglers reportedly dumped some 124 passengers on the coast of Cilaamato village,
45km west of Laasqoray town in Sanaag region, after their boat encountered technical problems while on the
way to Yemen. Six of the passengers later died while 45 were in critical condition.
In 2009, some 77,802 people arrived on the shores of Yemen, representing an increase in arrivals of over 50
percent compared to 2008, when some 50,091 arrived, and more than doubling arrivals in 2007. Around
163,000 Somali refugees are currently living in Yemen. Conflict, drought and lack of employment opportunities
have contributed to Somalis' movement, mostly from South Central regions into Puntland, to attempt the
dangerous journey into Yemen and beyond, in search for better life. Approximately 561,000 Somali refugees
are currently registered in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Eritrea, Uganda, Yemen, Djibouti, and Kenya.
Humanitarian workers' assets seized
On 10 February, reports indicate that Al Shabaab administration in Waajid, Bakool region, seized a UN vehicle
at the Waajid, Bakool region airstrip. Al Shabaab also entered the UN compound in Waajid and confiscated the
list of assets in the compound. On 9 February, Al Shabaab militants stormed a national NGO office in Baidoa,
Bay region, and looted assets.
Response
Food Aid
In the ongoing screening exercise since 25 January being conducted by Relief International (RI), 1,415 cases
out of 9,562 children and women in 23 IDP settlements and host communities within Bossaso, Puntland, were
admitted to six maternal child health clinics for the treatment of moderate malnutrition. Some 89 other children
were diagnosed with severe malnutrition and were referred for specialized treatment within the clinics. The
screening has been targeting IDP settlements and host communities. WFP, through RI, has so far assisted
about 870 children and 227 women with individual rations of ready-to-use supplementary food, Corn Soya
blend, sugar and vegetable oil amounting to 4 metric tons.
During the week, WFP distributed some 1,000 metric tons of assorted food commodities to 127,980
beneficiaries under the general food distribution in Guriel and Dhuusamarreeb districts, Galgaduud region and
Xarardheere district in Mudug region.
Education
UNICEF, through its partner SAFE, provided psychosocial support in IDP schools in Kashiqal and Daynile
camps in Mogadishu. Approximately 1,800 children affected by the conflict received counselling, including 936
girls.
Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
In Central and South Somalia, UNICEF and partners have constructed and rehabilitated 16 child friendly
learning spaces, complete with WASH facilities, in four schools in Galgaduud region thus improving the learning
environment for 1,204 children, of whom 544 are girls. Eight more child friendly learning spaces and an office in
two primary schools in South Mudug are under construction and will benefit 481 children, including 202 girls.
In Taleex, Sool region, CARE International commenced the rehabilitation of a water system and the
construction of seven water kiosks with national partners. The project is expected to improve access to clean
water for more than 2,000 families and the prevention of water borne diseases. Additionally, the construction of
20 shallow wells in Las Caanood and Xudun districts and four others in Widhwidh district is underway.
Health
During the reporting period, WHO supplied essential medical supplies to health partners providing health care
services in Baidoa, Bay region. Additionally, WHO, Merlin and the Banadir University trained 30 health workers
on how to provide health services in the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System. The health
workers represented over 10 partner agencies working in Mogadishu and the surrounding areas.
Agriculture and Livelihoods
FAO, in collaboration with the Puntland authorities, is conducting an emergency livestock treatment in Sool and
Nugaal regions. The campaign is targeting more than 300,000 livestock.
Contact
English, contact Muna Mohamed on + 254 733 643 737 –
: For further information in English, contact: Rita Maingi on +254 734 800 120 – maingir@un.org In Somali or mohamed26@un.org
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