UN Coordinator for Somalia gravely concerned about displacement and civilian casualities in Galgaduud Region

(Nairobi, 5 January 2009) The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mark Bowden, today expressed grave concern at the civilian casualties and massive displacement resulting from fighting in Dhuusamarreeb and Guriceel towns, Galgaduud region, which began on 27 December 2008. More than 40 civilians have reportedly been killed during the fighting and more than 50,000 people displaced.

"I am extremely alarmed by the fighting that has taken place in central Somalia during the past week. I strongly condemn the unacceptable number of casualties and massive displacement of civilians who continue to bear the brunt of conflict and insecurity in the country," stated Mark Bowden.

The fighting has resulted in up to 90% of the population of those two communities fleeing, which has led to the displacement of approximately 50,000 people, many of whom had already been displaced due to the fighting in Mogadishu. The majority of those displaced are scattered in the surrounding villages and are in desperate need of shelter, water, non food items and food assistance. The situation for the recently displaced is further worsened by a general lack of humanitarian access in Galgaduud region due to deteriorating security.

The recent fighting has compounded an already grave humanitarian crisis in Galgaduud region. The region is experiencing a serious drought in addition to hosting some 130,000 IDPs from Mogadishu. A nutrition survey conducted by the UN Food Security Analysis Unit in November 2008 revealed sustained high Global Acute Malnutrition rates of 18.4% to 20.8% and Severe Acute Malnutrition rates at 3.8% to 5.8%.

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia calls for a cessation of all hostilities to allow urgently needed humanitarian assistance to be provided to the displaced people in Dhuusamarreeb and Guriceel. Similar unhindered humanitarian access should also be provided in other parts of Somalia wherever assistance is required by populations in need.