Clan violence leaves four dead in Somalia, says UN

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United Nations says at least four people have been killed and thousands displaced in southern Somalia, following ethnic clashes that were reported in the country a few weeks ago within the Gedo region.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said a total of 42,000 people have been internally displaced following the clan fights within Luuq town in Jubaland state. The fighting was first reported on July 5th.

Jubaland leader Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe had condemned the fighting while calling for immediate stability and reconciliation. He warned those fuelling tensions within the town in Somalia.

“The displaced people were not only caught up in the crossfire but also were targeted in some cases due to their clan affiliation. Some of them faced secondary displacement due to fear of being directly affected,” the OCHA said in its latest update released in the Somali capital of Mogadishu.

The OCHA said some calmness has been observed since July 8 as the armed clashes ceased, though tensions remain high. OCHA insists it is still difficult to access the displaced persons in the state.

The UN agency said the conflict paralyzed the ongoing delivery of humanitarian services, including health, nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions.

The OCHA said the burnt-down market will have a significant economic impact, as many people have lost their livelihoods and may face food insecurity.

“Initial assessment by humanitarian partners on the ground indicate that the displaced communities, especially women, children, elderly, and persons with disabilities, are facing critical conditions and urgent needs of humanitarian assistance, including temporary shelters, health services, clean water, and provision of food,” the OCHA said.

GAROWE ONLINE