Somalia: Current drought situation
First-hand account from Mogadishu.
Somalia has been experiencing for the past couple of decades severe droughts and incessant conflicts which obstructed all public services. For the past four years the country has suffered an economic debacle, and there was no government to support the people as harsh droughts stopped the country’s production of agriculture and livestock. The Somali population is 70-80% rural or nomadic.
Reports from the southern regions of the country state that the droughts have caused destitution for nomad and rural communities. The 3 years without rains have meant the desiccation of the land, which has forced families to move to the big towns. Flocks of families are seen moving in different directions, some crossing borders to get refuge, others moving to the capital city Mogadishu where they hope to get assistance and a better life.
Restrictions
In the areas administered by Al Shabab the movement of people is restricted. In the regions of Lower Shabelle people affected by the droughts are beaten if they are found moving from their residence, yet Al Shabab is not ready to provide aid to people regardless of their situation.
Camps have been constructed on the outskirts of Mogadishu by the habitants of Mogadishu in an attempt to escape the fighting between Al Shabab insurgents and the TFG. But the situation has now changed since people displaced by the droughts are also arriving in these camps looking for assistance. Meanwhile, inhabitants of Hiran, Bakol and Gedo regions are secretly moving to refugee camps in Kenya and Ethiopia. Many leave during the night, and forsake their homes.
Appearance of drought affected people
People running from the droughts have a shocking appearance, as their bones are visible under their thin skin. This NGO has met with some of the people escaping the drought and asked them what the extent of the problem is. People have said they were forced to leave their children on the roadside as they could no longer carry them. Elderly people have also been left, and have died along roads because of the lack of food and water.
Some people died since arriving in Mogadishu. People in the city are providing shelter, food and any other support they can, as the measures from the government have been inadequate.
Diseases
Droughts and war are always followed by diseases of different sorts, which affect the people. The initial symptoms are malnutrition with children also suffering from watery diarrhea and other diseases that need urgent help. Food provisions cannot cover all the needs of the people unless their medical needs are also seen to.
In pictures
Here are some photos of IDPs in Mogadishu.