Issued 17 December

Civil Insecurity

The civil security situation has further deteriorated in most areas of southern and central Somalia. Militia regrouping, sporadic fighting and confrontations have commonly increased, as well as the number of insecurity epicenters.  During the last two months insecurity incidents were reported in Mogadishu, Bosasso (Bari), Galkacyo (Mudug), Balcad (Middle Shabelle), Rabdhuurre (Bakool), Afmadow and Kismayo (Lower Juba). These incidents caused human casualties, persistent human harassment, frequent road blocks, limited trading activities, as well as restricted movement of population and goods.

Most recently notable increases in militia activity were reported in the areas of Afmadow (Lower Juba), Beletweyne (Hiran), Balad (M. Shabelle), Elbarde, Rabdhuure and Xudur (Bakool), Guriceel (Galgadud) and Mogadishu. Resource based conflict and clan retaliation have reportedly reduced. However, clan tensions remain high in the north (Gabiley and Borama districts of W. Galbeed and Awdal regions) although without hindering humanitarian operations. Most recently several bomb blasts were reported in Bossaso in the northeast targeting local authorities. However, so far nobody has claimed the responsibility. 

Piracy incidents have continued in the reporting period despite the counter attacks and arrests of nearly hundred of pirates by multinational (25 countries) forces. Reportedly, 26 ships were attacked by the pirates in the period between June – Nov. ’09. Out of the total of 12 hijacked ships 2 vessels with 59 crew members were released after paying ransom.

About two-thirds of Somali districts have highest level of humanitarian inaccessibility, which complicates a provision of aid and support to the needy. No abductions or killings of humanitarian staff are reported since September, which is attributable to the very limited presence of humanitarian staff in the south and central Somalia. However, 10 aid workers abducted in 2008 are still held in captivity in Somalia.
 
Population Displacement
According to the latest update (Dec. 2009) on UNHCR’s population movement tracking system, around 63,000 people got displaced throughout the country since early September. About forty-three percent (27,000) of the displaced originate from Mogadishu, of which one-fifth is displaced within the city. Other key areas of displacement are Galgaduud, Juba and Lower Shabelle. The main areas absorbing these fresh displacements are Ceelasha and Mogadishu areas, Galkayo and Bosasso of Puntland, as well as Ceelbuur and Dhusamareeb of Galgaduud region.

Over three-quarters of cases of displacement are due to insecurity and drought, with civil insecurity being the main cause of displacement (63% of cases). Other causes of displacement include loss of livelihoods (6.6%) and floods (5.7%), particularly in the riverine parts of Hiran and Juba regions. Additionally, there is a growing resentment of local population in Puntland against the IDPs from southern Somalia due to the above-mentioned recent incidents in Bossaso. This may lead to further population movements of IDPs - from Puntland back to southern and central Somalia. Due to the uncertainty of the political situation, further fresh population movements could also be expected over the months to come.