OCHA Situation Report
Somalia
2 January 2007


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Main Developments

Over the weekend, TFG/Ethiopian forces consolidated their control over 
much of South/Central Somalia, moving into Jilib, Jamame and Kismayo. 
ICU forces have retreated from these areas and are said to be dispersing 
further south. The possible presence of newly laid landmines is of 
concern, and Ethiopian troops are said to be checking the area between 
Buale and Kismayo.

Apart from a reported explosion on 30 December, the situation in 
Mogadishu is said to be calm, with TFG/Ethiopian troops in control of 
key installations such as the airport, sea port and main government 
buildings. However, segments of the population remain heavily armed and 
TFG Prime Minister Gedi, currently in Mogadishu holding meetings with 
various parties in an effort to increase stability, has called non all 
militia to voluntarily surrender their arms within three days to 
government-designated points.

Displacement

Displacement took place over the weekend in the Juba regions, 
particularly in Jamame, Kismayo and Jilib. Up to 2,000 people are 
reported to have been moved from Jilib to nearby villages, while around 
4,000 Somalis are said to be in Dhobley along the Kenya-Somalia border, 
waiting, not yet able to cross. Between 29 and 30 December 2006, UNHCR 
Kenya reported the arrival of 200 new Somalis in Liboi.

There are continuing reports of displacement from Mogadishu into 
surrounding villages, particularly fromthe areas of Karen, Medina and 
Wabari, where ICU support was strong. It has also been reported that 450 
IDPs moved from Mogadishu to Merka, mainly people from minority groups 
without clan protection. Another group of 100 people moved from 
Mogadishu to Kurtunwarey.

Access and Response

The access situation in South/Central Somalia is generally getting 
better as subsiding flood waters in the Juba and Shabelle valleys result 
in improved road conditions and as conflict abates. The Jilib-Kismayo 
and Jilib-Mogadishu roads are reported to be open to transport. In 
addition, following the temporary suspension of humanitarian air 
operations on 27 December, UN humanitarian flights into Somalia resumed 
on 29 December. On 31 December, 3.5 MT of UNICEF Non-Food Items were 
flown into Jowhar. These flights followed the TFG's authorization for 
humanitarian flights to resume after declaring Somalia's land, air and 
sea borders closed on 25 December.

On 24 and 25 December, WFP had carried out two airdrops of 28mt of food 
into Afmadow district targeting flood-affected populations. Although the 
ban resulted in the suspension of WFP air drops, as roads became more 
passable in other previously inaccessible areas, WFP was able to 
distribute 1,200 MT of food to 61,000 beneficiaries in the districts of 
Kurtunwarey, Sablale, Brava and Merka in Lower Shabelle. On 1 January 
2007, WFP also distributed 168 MT of food to 1,360 people in Afmadow 
town.

Deteriorating hygiene and sanitation conditions are reported in villages 
of Jilib and Jamame that were flooded. People are returning to villages 
that are still muddy, where standing water has contaminated latrines and 
many houses have collapsed. UNICEF and partners are conducting water and 
sanitation interventions throughout the Juba Valley, distributing 
aqua-tabs, soap, chlorine and sanitation training.

The health response to flood- and conflict-affected populations in 
South/Central conducted by WHO and partners is supporting major 
hospitals in conflict-affected regions (including Jowhar, Merka, Baidoa, 
Mogadishu and Kismayo) with New Emergency Health Kits, first aid kits, 
medicines and medical supplies.

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


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