Statement by Mr. Magatte Guisse, Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia ad interim, on the situation in Laas Caanood, 3 March 2023

Mogadishu, 3 March 2023 - I am extremely concerned about the humanitarian impact of the fighting in Laas Caanood, in the disputed Sool Region. According to UNSOM HRPG/ OHCHR, between 28 December and 28 February, the violence killed at least 80 people and injured a further 451 among those not fighting, including medical personnel. With the fighting now in its fourth week, more than 185,000 people have reportedly been displaced and hospitals have been damaged, jeopardizing access to essential care for the wounded.

I call for respect for humanitarian and medical workers, respect for medical facilities and services and to allow the wounded and sick to receive the medical care and attention required by their condition, without discrimination.

I also call for unhindered humanitarian access to all those in need.

I further appeal for restraint and recall that force must only ever be used in accordance with applicable international law, norms and standards, including human rights and international humanitarian law, where applicable.

The violence is ongoing at a time when Somalia is experiencing its worst drought on record.

Almost 214,000 people in Sool Region, 43 per cent of the population, are currently experiencing crisis or worse levels of acute food insecurity. The high levels of displacement are expected to further exacerbate humanitarian needs. An estimated 8.25 million people across Somalia, nearly half the population, are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection in 2023.

For further information, please contact:

Truphosa Anjichi, Humanitarian Affairs Officer, OCHA Somalia, anjichi@un.org, Tel: +252 61 4963821/+254 722 839182