Somalia: Flash Update No.1 Displacement due to inter-clan conflict in Luuq town, Jubaland State of Somalia

HIGHLIGHTS

• On 5 July, an armed inter clan conflict erupted in Luuq town resulting in the death of 4 civilians, forced displacement of 42,000 people, and disruption of movement of people, trade, livelihood and transport services.

• The displaced people were not only caught up in crossfire but were also targeted in some cases due to their clan affiliation. Some of them faced secondary displacement due to fear of being directly affected.

• On 6 July, Naf Iyo Maal IDP site that hosts to 735 families were burnt down. In the process, two women were killed in Naf Iyo Mall IDP site.

• A key market within Luuq town with more than two hundred business premises was burnt and shelter and latrines damaged.

• Overall, more than 100,000 people are estimated to have been affected by the current armed inter clan conflict in Luuq with about 42,000 people displaced and four civilians killed as of 11 July. These includes 4,000 families previously displaced by floods and other crises, and 2,500 families from the host community.

• On 8 July, a temporary down to dusk curfew was imposed by the Government but it has since been lifted. Nevertheless, movement restrictions remain in place as tension persists.

• Some of the displaced people, particularly from one of the warring clans, moved to Yurkud town which is about 45 kilometers from Luuq town.

• Luuq district faces significant access challenges as all roads leading to the district are under the control of Non-State Armed Group.

KEY FIGURES

141.1K Total population in Luuq district.

100K Estimated number of people affected by the conflict.

42K Number of people displaced due to the conflict.

4 Number of confirmed civilian deaths due to the conflict.

200 Business premises burnt

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Armed clashes between local clans were reported in Luuq town of Gedo region between 5 and 7 July 2024 due to dispute over land ownership. At least four civilians were killed, and scores of of civilians displaced from Luuq town to nearby localities.

According to the humanitarian partners, the conflict has forced about 42,000 people out of their homes. Among the displaced, are those who are facing secondary displacement. Some of the displaced sought refuge in nearby settlements including Jaziira, Dhuyacley, Yurkut - over 1000 HHs, Ceelboon - over 700 HHs, Wajid and Bashiro-over 400 HHs. Humanitarian partners expect that most of displaced people will remain in Luuq district, though a movement of about 50 HHs towards Doolow on the morning of 9 July.

Some calmness has been observed since8 July as the armed clashes ceased, though tensions remain high. A delegation led by Jubaland Vice President, including federal and state officials visited Luuq town on Tuesday 9 July to facilitate talks between the warring parties.

HUMANITARIAN IMPACT AND NEEDS

The conflict paralyzed the on-going humanitarian service delivery, including the health, nutrition and WASH interventions. The burnt-down market will have a significant economic impact as many people have lost their livelihoods and possibly risking facing food insecurity. Unverified reports indicate that houses have also been burnt and latrines in certain locations destroyed.

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. Access to the displaced populations in some areas is restricted due to possible attack from non-state armed actors, including militia men from the conflicting parties.

HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE

The Luuq Area Based Humanitarian Coordination Group (A-HCG) is planning a joint rapid needs assessment on Monday 15th July. Humanitarian partners are mobilizing resources to provide emergency assistance including provision of emergency shelter, Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA), NFIs, safe drinking water and dignity kits.

CHALLENGES

Humanitarian partners face challenges in accessing the displaced populations as some of them moved to areas under the control of non-state armed Group, while humanitarian supplies can only be delivered by air.