OCHA Situation Report
Somalia
28 December 2006


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Main Developments

The heavy fighting of the last eight days has abated, with Ethiopian/TFG 
forces now controlling much of southern Somalia. After taking Jowhar in 
Middle Shabelle yesterday morning, Ethiopian/TFG forces moved south into 
Balad (north or Mogadishu) and Afgoi (northwest of Mogadishu). These two 
towns are strategically important as they lie on the two main roads 
leading to the capital. Ethiopian/TFG forces are now on the outskirts of 
Mogadishu. ICU forces have retreated from the capital, handing over 
their weapons and technicals to clan militia, and several ICU leaders 
are said to have left Mogadishu. This movement resulted in a temporary 
power vacuum in the city, with the presence of freelance militia and 
looting reported. However, traditional elders are discussing how best to 
secure the town and have reportedly been in contact with the TFG. 
Displacement from Mogadishu is occurring though the scale is as yet 
unknown. Elsewhere, Bay and Bakool regions (including Wajid and Baidoa) 
are reported to be calm, as are Jowhar and all other areas newly under 
the control of the TFG.

Displacement

According to field reports, estimates of displacement from Bay have now 
reached 14,000 people. Of that total, 6,000 are displaced within the 
region and are expected to return shortly to their place of origin. The 
other 8,000 IDPs have moved to Lower Shabelle. The price of food and 
other commodities is said to be rising in Bay, as a result of conflict 
and interruptions in transport due to conflict and recently flooded 
roads throughout southern Somalia.

Major fighting has ceased in Hiran. There are no precise figures for 
displacement in the Beletweyne, though reports indicate that the 
displaced are continuing to return to the town.

Access and Response

Following cessation of conflict in Mudug, a multi-agency assessment of 
IDP needs completed yesterday in Galkayo reported that an estimated 
4,500 IDP families require immediate assistance in north and south 
Galkayo. 3,000 of these were displaced to south Galkayo town over the 
last two weeks due to the fighting. Agencies operational in Puntland are 
mobilizing to respond to the priority needs of food, shelter, 
sanitation, water trucking, essential drugs and protection. Local NGOs 
have set up mobile kitchens to feed IDPs.

The TFG's Ministry of Air and Land Transport has officially authorized 
the resumption of all UN humanitarian flights with immediate effect. The 
government had previously announced, following the recent outbreak of 
conflict, that it was closing international borders. Humanitarian 
flights are expected to resume shortly and the movement of cargo will be 
prioritized based on needs, access and security. In addition, road 
access is improving in flood-affected regions in Somalia and northern 
Kenya, opening up alternative supply routes.

For further information, contact:

Molly McCloskey or Amanda di Lorenzo at +254 (20) 375 4150-5 
mccloskeym@un.org, dilorenzoa@un.org

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