Situation Critical for Thousands Displaced Near Mogadishu

The fighting has intensified in recent days, claiming a high number of casualties among Mogadishu's residents.

Courtesy: somali.alshahid.net

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - The outbreak of violence in and around the Somali capital, Mogadishu has caused hundreds of thousands of displaced people living in increasingly harsh conditions. Since 2007 the fighting has caused large numbers of people to flee, setting up makeshift camps between Mogadishu and Afgoye. With each new outbreak of violence more and more people are forced to leave their homes.

“The situation is extremely critical for the displaced,” said Pascal Mauchle, head of the ICRC delegation for Somalia.

“People with virtually no belongings are coping through petty trade or by growing crops on small patches of land, and also thanks to the help of resident communities. But they cannot hope to cover more than their most urgent needs. They are extremely vulnerable to malnutrition and disease.”

In July, 4,000 newly displaced entered the camps. International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) with Somali Red Crescent Society distributed food to more than 55,000 people. The two month rations of beans, rice and oil were dispersed to the most vulnerable populations first, disabled and single mothers with children.

The fighting has intensified in recent days, claiming a high number of casualties among Mogadishu's residents. Medina and Keysaney hospitals have treated over 200 patients since August 23– more than twice the average number admitted in previous weeks.

The ICRC has been providing both hospitals with surgical equipment, medicines and training for doctors and nurses. The hospitals accept all patients, regardless of their clan and their religious or political background.

The ICRC first began working in Somalia in 1977 and has been in the country without interruption since 1982. The Somalia delegation has been based in Nairobi since 1994.

*Source: International Committee of the Red Cross