OCHA Situation Report
Somalia: Situation Report
6 July 2007


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Main Developments

Despite the night curfew imposed to secure Mogadishu, insecurity in the 
city persists with insurgents targeting Ethiopian/ TFG troops and 
government officials. On 4 July, a hand grenade was lobbed at the 
Minister of Justice house, and on 5 July, Mogadishu Governor escaped a 
roadside bomb targeting his convoy.  Allegedly, dozens of people 
continue to be detained for questioning following attacks. Ugandan peace 
keepers also escaped another road side bomb explosion. On 6 July 5 
children playing football with a landmine were killed when the mine 
exploded during their game.

A public execution of two men was carried out on 5 July. The two have 
allegedly been accused of killing two TFG intelligence agents. This is 
the first reported public execution since the seven month TFG rule. 
The men were blindfolded and shot in front of a 30 people crowd.

The house-to-houses weapon search operations have intensified since 4 
July coinciding with the increased incidents. Districts in Mogadishu are 
being sealed off causing restrictive movements for the people. Together 
with the night curfew the limited freedom of movement is adding an 
economic burden to the already difficult humanitarian situation in 
Mogadishu. Access to the most vulnerable populations by humanitarian 
workers is getting complicated by the day.

Tensions remain high in the Jubas following clan clashes in and around 
Kismayo. An international humanitarian organization temporary 
discontinued activities in Jamame on 29 June. The organization resumed 
operations on 4 July following talks among concerned parties.

More clan fighting was reported on 1 July in Beletweyn (Hiran region) 
with 10 people killed and dozens more injured in the skirmishes. Clan 
elders are said to be mediating following land and water wells disputes. 
At the same time, an international NGO suspended all relief work in and 
around the town of El-Barde (Bakool) due to the ongoing tensions and the 
threat of continued hostilities.

Regarding the locusts, locusts were allegedly also spotted in Gedo 
region, particularly in Luuq district. However, based on the findings of 
a joint assessment by CARE, LNGO and FSAU on 3 July, the mission 
concluded there is no locust infestation in Luuq district. However, 
there is an above normal number of grass hoppers sighted in forests. In 
addition to last week's report the locusts in Somaliland and Puntland 
seem to have left Somalia and moved eastwards (FAO).

Returns and Displacements

About 7,000 people have fled Mogadishu in the last week due to 
insecurity and sporadic violence.  According to the UNHCR Population 
Movement Tracking (PMT), as of 4 July, 125,000 IDPs have returned since 
1 June with the vast majority coming from areas close to Mogadishu - 
Middle and Lower Shabelle. With people returning to Mogadishu while at 
the same time others are leaving, it is extremely difficult to estimate 
the total number of IDPs displaced throughout Somalia. However, 404,000 
IDPs have left Mogadishu since 1 February and nearly 125,000 have 
returned.  In addition to IDPs fleeing insecurity, PMT reports indicate 
that over 2,500 residents and IDPs have been evicted from their homes in 
public buildings since 1 June.

Access and Response

On 5 July, some 60 WFP food trucks were able to cross the Kenya/Somali 
border at Mandera. This was made possible following appeals and high 
level advocacy from the international community.  The food will be 
distributed in a few days targeting about 200,000 people in Gedo region. 
The re-opening of the border will have a direct positive impact to meet 
nutritional needs in this area.

Meanwhile, UN air services to Galkayo resumed on 28 June, following a 
temporary suspension due to security concerns. As a result of a recent 
checkpoint/roadblock removal operation, access and security on the road 
between Mogadishu and Beletweyn via Jowhar has dramatically improved 
noticeably compared to the first quarter of the year. However, 
checkpoints and roadblocks in the rest of South-Central continue to 
impede on overland transport. Elsewhere in Bardere, following the attack 
of parliamentarian and former Defense Minister on 27 June, tensions in 
the area have been reported leading to the closure of Bardera airstrip 
to international staff till the situation improves.

The road between Jilib and Buale is currently inaccessible due to 
continued rain showers in the area, while the curfews in Mogadishu and 
Kismayo have effected port operations. The two ports close early 
reducing activities on the premises with no cargo unable to leave beyond 
5pm.

For further information, contact:
   Rita Maingi at +254 722 334 671 - maingir@un.org or
   Petra Costerman Boodt +254 734 210 102 - boodt@un.org

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