SOMALIA: Situation Report and Road Blocks (fr. Zeila to Dhobleey)

[Koora-Tuunshe]

Source: UN-OCHA, March 20, 2008

A disturbing development is the increasing number of crime-related incidents affecting humanitarian agencies. During the past few weeks many agencies operating in South Central Somalia have encountered vehicle hijacking and armed attacks. On 18 March, a driver working for the NGO Security office was shot and killed and his vehicle stolen in Gaalkacyo. The same day, an MSF staff died in a hospital in Mogadishu following severe injuries sustained during an attack on an MSF vehicle on 12 March. In the past three months ten international NGOs and UN agencies and four national NGOs have been victims of hijacking or attempted hijacking of their vehicles, in which some staff were injured. Such incidents are seriously affecting the movement of aid workers.

 

 

On Feb 20, 2008

Source: http://ochaonline.un.org/somalia/SituationReports/tabid/2715/Default.aspx

[Koora-Tuunshe]

This one requires emergency aid and response. The Drought is now affecting all Somalia. All parties in Somalia's conflict should really give access to aid organizations. I don't get why we still have to charge extortionate fees helping NGOs and their convoys and staff and subject them to unnecessary delays and search.

DROUGHT

 

The drought that has hit the country's central regions is spreading to northern parts of Somalia. The preliminary findings of an inter-agency drought assessment conducted from 13 to 15 March in Togdheer, Sanaag, Sool, and Wogooyi Galbeed regions of Somaliland conclude that parts of these regions are currently facing severe water and food crisis as a consequence of failed Deyr rains (short rains - October to December) and worsening drought conditions.

 

In Togdheer region the areas most affected are Burco, Balidhiig, Buuhoodle districts and southern parts of Owdweyne district. Livestock conditions are deteriorating, and some families have already lost up to 30% of their herds. Other income generating activities, such as the collection and sale of firewood and production of charcoal have intensified, which could lead to adverse environmental consequences. Emergency interventions recommended in the assessed areas include water trucking and rehabilitation of water points, food distribution, supply of veterinary drugs and expanding health services.

 

Drought throughout the country is causing new displacement. UNHCR and partners reported that nearly 4,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Mahaday district (Middle Shabelle) and South Mudug have moved to Mogadishu during the month of March due to the drought in their areas of origin.

[Koora-Tuunshe]

Why do we have road blocks charging money to aid convoys in the so alled peaceful administration of SL?