Somalia

12 November 2024

Between 1–2 November 2024, violent interclan clashes erupted in Buuhoodle district of Togdheer region, northern Somalia. The main driver was political tension between Somaliland and subnational administrations, along with clan disputes. The violence killed approximately 40 people and, by 5 November, had displaced at least 26,000 individuals, primarily pastoralists who had to leave their livestock behind. Residents from Galgal, Qorulugud, and surrounding villages are also fleeing to avoid the escalating risks. Local health centres report that many of the injured and deceased are children, raising concerns about the forced recruitment of minors. (UNHCR 05/11/2024)

29 October 2024

The clan conflict that began in July 2024 in Luuq district, Jubaland state, has escalated. Despite peace efforts, a renewed outbreak of violence on 21 October in Neefsoow and Bishaarow villages has intensified the situation. By 23 October, the insecurity had newly displaced approximately 5,000 individuals, including some who had just recently returned, contributing to a total of nearly 30,000 displaced people. Revenge killings and armed stand-offs between rival clans continue, fuelling fear, psychological trauma, and insecurity, especially among groups such as women, children, older people, and people with disabilities. The volatile security situation, particularly in areas with the presence of non-state armed groups, severely limits humanitarian access and movement. Immediate needs include health and nutrition services, water, sanitation facilities, food assistance, and GBV and child protection services. Many households have sought refuge in remote areas outside Luuq town, complicating relief efforts. (OCHA 23/10/2024, UNHCR 22/10/2024, AllAfrica 21/10/2023)

16 July 2024

On 5 July 2024, interclan conflict erupted in Luuq town, Jubaland state, affecting 100,000 people (including four killed and 42,000 displaced, with 4,000 already previously displaced) by 11 July. The conflict has also significantly disrupted movement, trade, livelihoods, and transport. Some of the displaced have sought refuge in nearby settlements, including Bashiro, Ceel Buur, Dhuyacley, Jaziira, Waajid, and Yurkut. The violence has also burnt down the Naf Iyo Maal IDP site (hosting 735 families) on 6 July, as well as the local market, destroying over 200 businesses. The severe economic impact is likely to threaten livelihoods and increase the food insecurity risk. On 8 July, the Government imposed a temporary dawn-to-dusk curfew, which has since been lifted. Regardless, humanitarian access remains challenging, as a non-state armed group controls all roads to the district. People urgently need assistance, including temporary shelters, health services, clean water, and food. (OCHA 14/07/2024, SomaliSignal 06/07/2024, ECHO 10/07/2024)

26 March 2024

Cholera cases in Somalia are on the rise, mainly affecting Hirshabelle, Puntland, and Southwest states. Since the beginning of 2024, reported cases have tripled compared to the previous three-year average. As at 18 March, there had been over 4,300 cases and 54 deaths reported in 32 districts since 1 January, resulting in a 1.2% case fatality rate, which is above the WHO emergency threshold. The outbreak, worsened by high child malnutrition rates, limited access to clean water, open defecation practices, and poor sanitation, poses a significant threat to communities. Despite efforts to respond to the crisis in affected areas, numerous challenges persist, including a shortage of skilled health workers, significant population movements, insufficient community awareness, inadequate infrastructure at treatment facilities, and a lack of funding. The upcoming Gu rainy season (April–June) may aggravate the situation further. (OCHA 25/03/2024, STC 21/03/2024, The Star 05/03/2024)

10 December 2023

As at 3 December 2023, the number of people affected by flooding from the Deyr seasonal rains had reached over 2.4 million across southern and central Somalia, with more than one million displaced. Humanitarian organisations are facing extreme access challenges in rural areas affected by the floods.
Besides shelter and food needs, health and WASH are some of the main concerns, with the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks in affected areas. (OCHA 03/12/2023, Nutrition Cluster 05/12/2023, Wash Cluster 05/12/2023)

09 November 2023

As at 8 November 2023, flooding from the seasonal Deyr rains (October–December) had affected over 1.17million people in 21 districts. The Federal Government of Somalia has declared a state of emergency as El Niño-fuelled rains intensify across Banadir, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, Jubaland, Puntland, and Southwest states. The flooding has temporarily displaced over 310,000 people, with more than 1.6 million at risk of the impact of rising water levels. Disruptions to roads and bridges are constraining access, trapping over 2,400 people in Luuq district and more than 84,000 people in Baardheere from the main town. In Galmudug and Puntland, the flooding has affected more than 400 IDP sites, damaging shelters, latrines, and other infrastructure, and increased the need for emergency relief supplies, especially shelter and NFIs, food, WASH services, and emergency evacuations. (OCHA 09/11/2023, OCHA 06/11/2023)

17 October 2023

The 2023 Deyr rainy season (October–December), expected to cause above-average precipitation because of El Niño, has flooded parts of Somalia. By 4 October, flooding in Baidoa district (Southwest state) had affected 107,000 people. Floodwaters had damaged the shelters of 86,000 IDPs in 136 collective sites Baidoa city. 305 latrines had also sustained damage, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. Eight educational facilities had closed, affecting learning for 6,000 students. Mahady Weyne and Luuq have also experienced flooding. There is also a likelihood of continued riverine flooding along the Juba and Shabelle Rivers. Moderate to heavy rains are predicted over the Ethiopian highlands and river catchment areas, with soils along the river already saturated. Water levels along the Shabelle River have steadily surpassed the levels observed in 2022. About 1.2 million people living in riverine areas and over 1.5 million hectares of land could be affected. (OCHA 07/10/2023, FAO 12/10/2023, OCHA 12/10/2023)