Somaila Humanitarian Situation Report, 16 July - 2 August 1996

Ref: DHAGVA - 96/0271
16 July - 2 August 1996

INTRODUCTION

Amidst the deadlock of fighting on three separate fronts in Mogadishu came the news on 2 August that General Aidid had died in South Mogadishu on the evening of 1 August, apparently related to gunshot wounds received on 24 July in battle in Medina. Reactions were mixed, a combination of shock, question, and hope, hope that any change in the situation might create a window of opportunity for peace and reconciliation. Both the USC / SNA and the USC / SSA called for an immediate cease-fire through local press. Spokespersons from the Aidid administration announced that there would be a replacement selected within a period of seven days. The city has been reported as quiet up to 2 August, following two weeks of continued skirmishing both inside and outside Mogadishu.

UN Agencies and NGOs are facing increasing problems of logistical supply and access to the most vulnerable areas of South Mogadishu and the Juba Valley. High winds and rough seas have brought imports and exports - as well as arrival of humanitarian aid - to a trickle in the Merka, El-Ma'an and Kismayo seaports. The main Mogadishu seaport has been closed 10 months now. Insecurity in South Mogadishu over the past two weeks has also limited humanitarian interventions, although fortunately the ICRC has been able to continue to assist war wounded and together with MSF, supply medicines. Twenty-five UNICEF and ACF therapeutic and supplementary feeding centres also continue to function in both South and North Mogadishu, with admissions increasing sharply over the last two months. WFP has arranged the delivery of 31.5 MTs of commodities to ACF for their feeding programmes in the South, and will test an overland delivery of food to North Mogadishu in early August.

Rehabilitation activities continue to progress in the Northeast and Northwest regions of Somalia. WHO reported that a new TB treatment centre has opened in Bossaso, an indication of the commitment of the community to this long-term process. The UNDP-assisted ICAO project which created the 'Civil Caretaker Authority' for Somalia, has also reported progress, with the installation of new communications equipment at the Mogadishu Flight Information Centre (in Nairobi) which will improve safety of all aircraft entering Somali airspace.

On 18 July, the European Commission announced the grant of 47 million ECU (USD 60 million) for Somalia over the next two years. The funds are part of the EC's Second Rehabilitation Programme, which will cover projects in both humanitarian and rehabilitation sectors in regions where peace and security prevail.

SECURITY / POLITICAL NOTEBOOK

Mogadishu

The announcement of the death of General Aidid came at a particularly tense period in Mogadishu. Fighting continued to be widespread during the period, and involved a number of groups of militia, as well as continued to affect civilian life. The area of fighting between the militia of General Aidid and Osman Atto (Digfir hospital and the University compound areas) was plagued with sporadic shelling and mortar fire throughout the period. During heavy fighting between the militia of General Aidid and Osman Atto on 14 July in the vicinity of Digfir hospital, two mortar shells landed in a stadium where a football match was taking place, killing at least 3 persons and injuring another 60 persons. Another mortar shell landed in a crowded house killing 14 persons. On 16 July, several attacks on villages in the Afgoye area were reported by local press to have been launched by militia from the Abgal clan; several families were reported displaced and traumatized as a result. A number of political kidnapings were also reported in Mogadishu during the period.

Following a few days of respite, heavy fighting resumed in the Medina district on 21 July between the militia of General Aidid and the militia of Musa Sudi. The fighting reached intense levels on 23 and 24 July, with a constant flow of population moving out of the area. Local press indicated that General Aidid initially gained some ground inside Medina, but later reports refuted these claims. Local press reported on 23 July that Musa Sudi requested the closure of all private businesses (medical facilities and pharmacies excluded) in the Medina area.

On the morning of 23 July, fighting was reported along the green line dividing Mogadishu between the militia of General Aidid and the militia of Ali Mahdi Mohamed. As of 24 July, the green line was reported quiet, however, although demonstrations against General Aidid are underway in North Mogadishu.

Apart from the Medina and green line areas, new fronts of fighting were also reported in Afgoye town and along the Mogadishu-Baidoa road at Balidogle airfield. On 16 July, several attacks on villages in the Afgoye area were reported by local press to have been launched by militia from the Abgal clan; several families were reported displaced and traumatized as a result. From 25-26 July, heavy fighting was reported to have taken place in Afgoye town. The fighting affected the flow of basic food commodities in Mogadishu's markets for two days. By 26 July, local press reported that Hawadle militia had taken Balidogle airfield, but later that evening, General Aidid was reported to have regained control in a fierce battle. Transportation along the Mogadishu-Baidoa road was reported not to be functioning, however.

Local press and other sources began reporting as of 26 July that General Aidid had been wounded in battle on the evening of 24 July during fighting in Medina. On 28 July, General Aidid spoke on local radio reiterating his determination to fight and defend his people.

As of 27 July, the militia of General Aidid were reported to be in control of the southwest portion of Medina and of Afgoye town. Heavy fighting was not reported in these areas from 27-31 July, but sporadic shelling and shooting continued to be heard in South Mogadishu.

Following the news of the death of General Aidid on 1 August, Mogadishu was reported quiet. An official burial ceremony took place in South Mogadishu on 2 August, with thousands of people attending.

Bay/Bakool /Gedo /Hiraan regions

Reports from international aid agencies indicate that the roads surrounding Baidoa town have been mined, with the exception of the Mogadishu-Baidoa road. On 20 July, local press reported fighting in Hoddur town between the militias of General Aidid and of the RRA. Baidoa town itself has been reported quiet.

An Australian pilot who was detained following an unexpected landing in Hoddur on 25 May remains in custody. He was later reported to have been moved from Baidoa to Mogadishu..

Kismayo/Juba Valley

Following deterioration at the Kismayo airfield last month and the subsequent departure of international staff on temporary basis, Kismayo and the surrounding areas remained tense. Tension led to the temporary relocation of UN international staff during the period. Local authorities and elders held a number of meetings in Kismayo to discuss improvement of security in the area during the period.

General Morgan departed Kismayo town on 18 July to meet elders and nomad communities in Bulo Haji and Badhadhe. He appointed Mr. Said Sulieman to act on behalf of the SPM in his absence.

On 21 July, one UNICEF national officer was wounded by a stray bullet inside the UNICEF compound. A demonstration took place outside the police station on 19 July and on 21 July, a gun was stolen from the police station. Most of the UN international staff were temporarily relocated to Nairobi on 23 July.

In the early morning of 25 July, militia men attacked and occupied a UNICEF-supported MCH centre in Kismayo town. Sharia court militia subsequently removed the attackers from the centre. Three escaped and the remaining seven were imprisoned. The reason for the attack remains unclear.

On 26 July, local authorities informed aid agencies in Kismayo that the Madhamto airstrip, located five km north of the town, will be made ready to receive 'qat' flights, in order to improve the security situation for humanitarian and other aircraft using Kismayo's main airport.

The UNCT / UNICEF security officer arrived in Kismayo on 31 July and reported that Kismayo town was very quiet. Following the news of General Aidid's death in Mogadishu, General Morgan was expected to return to Kismayo.

Bossaso / Northeast Regions

The situation in Bossaso and the Northeast regions as a whole remained quiet throughout the period. On 30 July, the UNCT / UNCTAD security advisor presented a security plan for the seaport to the local administration for review.

After long consultations, a regional administration was announced for the Nugaal region, with Mr. Dahir Ali Said as new governor and an engineer, Abdulqadir Ali Ai-ir as deputy governor. A delegation from the Bari regional administration is now visiting the Nugaal and Mudug regions to negotiate on the services of Bossaso port for the entire Northeast.

Northwest Regions

On 16 July, four Russian crew members of a detained Antonov-8 aircraft were charged before a Hargeisa court of allegedly making illegal landings at both the Odeweine and Borama airstrips on 9 July. They were each given prison sentences with the option of paying fines in lieu of the sentences. Local press reported on 1 August that the aircraft and crew were released on 1 August after payment of USD 45,800. This is the third aircraft to be detained for illegal landing at the airports in the Northwest since 1995.

The new UN Humanitarian Coordinator / UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Dominik Langenbacher, visited Hargeisa from 17-18 July. He met with Mr. Egal as well as UN Agencies and NGOs in the region during his visit.

Local press reported that the prices of essential commodities in Hargeisa increased sharply on 17 July, following depreciation of the 'Somaliland' shilling from 1,950 to 2,200 that day. Local press reported that the Egal administration met with local businessmen on 22 July to debate solutions to the inflation of the local currency.

The peace initiative group on 15 July released an appeal in the local press requesting the communities of the Northwest to stop any inter-clan fighting and progress towards the building of national reconciliation. Local press reported on 20 July on the closing of the Duroqsi peace conference (Haber Yunis / Haber Jaello) which was held to discuss the end of the conflict in Burao. Participants signed a peace agreement and agreed that all forces must be removed from Burao, that Burao must be de-mined , and that a larger meeting will take place at the Waraabeeye village on 29 July. The security situation in Burao town has reportedly improved since the signing of a peace agreement, and the Burao prison was reported open.

Discussions continued during the period regarding the planned nation-wide congress for the Northwest. On 22 July, local press reported that the council of elders engaged in debate and later agreed to five points related to the convening of a national congress. The points included that a joint committee be formed to oversee the initiative, that a government mission be sent to all regions, and that all international agencies be called upon to discuss issues related to aid as well as give their opinion on the proposed congress. Elders from eastern Burao discussed the congress on 30 July, and appealed for five conditions, including a request that the congress be held in Sheikh, Las Anod, or Erigavo, that the number of delegates should not exceed 300, and that each community should have the right to designate their own representatives.

On 24-25 July, local press reported heavy fighting in Qoton village, 70 km southeast of Hargeisa between two Gerhajis sub-clans. Reasons behind the fighting are not clear. Interventions by elders and community leaders reportedly helped end the skirmishes on 26 July, but elders from Odeweine and members of the peace initiative group remained in the area as of 2 August.

Local press reported on 29 July that the Egal administration has appointed Mr. Bashir Farah Kawye as governor of the Awdal region and Mr. Isse Ahmed Nuur as mayor of Borama. The Egal administration has also appointed new mayors and deputy mayors for the four districts of the Sanaag region. Mr. Egal, in an interview with BBC, indicated his willingness to agree to a second term as president or another appointment if the elders of the upcoming National Congress were to ask (re-elect ) him. On 31 July, local press reported that for undisclosed reasons Mr. Egal dismissed the Auditor General, and requested members of parliament to support this dismissal.

HEALTH AND NUTRITION

Mogadishu

The UN Agencies continue to implement only essential emergency activities in South Mogadishu. This is due to a combination of insecurity, inaccessibility, and pending the resolution of outstanding issues, such as the kidnaping of five UN international staff in March 1996. Attendees at feeding centres have been on the rise during the months of June and July. ACF reports that for June, nearly 30 percent of new children attending the supplementary feeding centres in the north of Mogadishu had come from the south. A total of 10,664 persons were in the supplementary feeding programme. WFP transferred 31 MTs of food commodities to ACF during the period to support their feeding programmes in South Mogadishu. WFP is also planning to send food via truck from Bossaso to help support ACF programmes in North Mogadishu. WFP completed transfer of their office staff and equipment to the UNDP compound, a cost-effective measure given the reduced operations in Mogadishu. UNICEF reported that a total of 18.5 MTs of Supermix was issued to their feeding centres in South Mogadishu and Medina, while 5.05 MTs were supplied to their centres in North Mogadishu. UNICEF also provided a total of 9.25 MTs of Supermix to local NGOs including the Somali Welfare Society, Lafole Women's NGO and Ramla Women's association during the period. WHO reported that no deaths from malnutrition were confirmed by their staff in Mogadishu during the month of June. Areas in the South were, however, difficult to assess completely due to insecurity.

Limited access to food and low purchasing power continue to affect the most vulnerable populations of South Mogadishu, particularly in the Medina district. Prices in the Medina area of Mogadishu were reported to have doubled over the last two weeks, due to difficulty of access to the region. USAID FEWS reports that both sorghum and maize prices in June 1996 have increased substantially compared to June 1995. In Mogadishu, as in many places in Somalia, low purchasing power continues to negatively affect food security. The 1996 harvest is not expected to reach major markets until mid-August. Import and export activity decreased substantially during the months of June and July due to seasonal winds and turbulent seas. According to WFP / FSAU, the average unskilled daily wage rate has dropped by 25 percent since January in Mogadishu and the purchasing power of an unskilled worker in terms of sorghum has dropped by nearly 50 percent since January.

Given these factors in light of the continued fighting in Mogadishu, the humanitarian situation has been declining over the last two months. UN Agencies and the ICRC are meeting on a regular basis to share information and to update contingency plans for Mogadishu. These plans are also discussed extensively with NGOs which still have operations in the South, including ACF and MSF. ICRC and MSF have been able to date to supply adequate medical supplies. As for food supply, pre-positioning of large quantities is not at this time considered wise given the volatility of the situation, but UN Agencies are continuing an active monitor of the situation.

Juba Valley

Due to increased insecurity at the airport and rough seas at the seaport, the delivery of supplies for humanitarian and rehabilitation projects in Kismayo and the Juba valley has been extremely difficult. Agencies in the area are reporting increased logistical difficulties and insufficient stocks to meet the emergency needs of the population and the swelling number of displaced persons. Following a severe shortage of Supermix, UNICEF has been flying stocks into Kismayo, while waiting for successful delivery by sea. On 31 July, UNICEF delivered 120 bags by plane, representing one weeks ration for the four feeding centres supported by UNICEF in Kismayo town.

Agencies in Kismayo continued to report an influx of IDPs from the southern part of the Juba Valley. Eight new IDP camps have emerged in Kismayo in late June and July. Some 1,300 newly-displaced families have reportedly arrived in the town during the third week of July. There are growing concerns amongst the aid agencies about the overall health status of the newly displaced from the flooding in the Juba Valley. Older camps continue to receive more people. UNICEF reports that malnutrition is visible in all IDP camps, particularly among older children, adults and parents. Recently, WFP provided 307 MTs of food to Kismayo, some of which was delivered to the IDPs through Muslim Aid UK. UNICEF has also been targeting these areas to raise awareness about child care and welfare, community hygiene, and when to report to MCH /OPDs. Parents were also given guidance about how to refer malnourished children to the feeding centres.

UNHCR reported that on 15 July, 900 Somali Bantus from the Bay region were granted entry into Kenya and were being screened by UNHCR. This group had been part of the population movement toward the Kenyan border in late May / early June. The joint UN / NGO/ ICRC Juba valley Plan of Action has helped to stem the flow of persons toward the border; no further movements toward the border have been reported in the last month. About 700 persons were subsequently reported to have been forced to return to Dobley town, creating an increased burden on the population; the needs of population are currently being met with the assistance of UN national officers and MSF-Belgium staff. WHO and MSF reported that cholera is under control in the area. In Afmadow, UNICEF, in collaboration with the local community and with ARC, delivered plastic sheeting, high energy biscuits, health kits, and ORS sachets, targeting the IDPs.

WFP, UNICEF and local NGOs continued to assist villages in the Marere and Gududey districts suffering from floods. On 27 July, 60 MTs of food arrived in the area from a cross-border operation from Kenya. The food was distributed to assist 5,200 families. UNICEF national staff delivered 10 MTs of emergency supplies to Gududey, targeting 11 flood-affected villages. The supplies included Supermix, high-protein biscuits, plastic sheeting, health kits, jerricans, and chloroquine. WFP also delivered 80 MTs of cereals to 4,305 families in Buale, Sacow and the Juba Valley from 22-28 July. This food will go toward feeding for the vulnerable groups and IDPs as well as food-for-work projects such as land clearing, well and road rehabilitation.

Communicable Diseases

WHO reports that following the end of the epidemic, cholera is under control throughout Somalia. No further increase of cases has been reported in Kismayo over the last two weeks. An earlier isolated outbreak necessitated the re-opening of MSF-Belgium's treatment centre, with cases mainly coming from newly-arrived displaced persons. An outbreak of dysentery was reported in the Ceel Dibir village near Galcayo during the period - WHO is currently investigating and verifying the report. Cases of malaria have been reported increasing in Berbera and Hargeisa, although no official data has been received by WHO. Through their Basic Minimum Needs programme, however, WHO supplied mosquito net material to be sold locally in Hargeisa. An investigation of a reported outbreak of dysentery and cerebral malaria in Iskushuban was undertaken by WHO during the period. Neither dysentery nor cerebral malaria could be confirmed after 146 patients were examined. In Bossaso, a TB treatment centre was opened, with 14 patients admitted. A WHO laboratory technologist provided training for the laboratory technician, and reagents and equipment were also supplied to the center.

OTHER ISSUES

At the UNOPS offices on 29 July, UN Agencies and NGOs in the area held sectoral meetings on health, education, water and sanitation, renewable resources, urban development and economy. These meetings will now be held monthly to assist in coordination of programmes in the Northeast.

The UNICEF Expanded Programme of Immunization, or EPI, continues to vaccinate thousands of children against killer diseases such as measles, polio, TB and tetanus. The Atlanta Olympic Aid committee has sponsored a portion of this programme, which was launched in June in Hargeisa. During this period, the campaign reached Erigavo and Borama towns, reaching an estimated 2,500 children. Women's groups in Borama have volunteered to engage in house-to-house mobilisation to encourage women to immunise their children. In Bossaso, activities were initiated in the main villages around the town on 20 July. Reports from the Afgoye district outside Mogadishu indicate that an average of about 300 children are being immunised daily. In Badhade, Afmadow and Buale districts of the Juba Valley, mobile teams managed to reach about 9,000 persons.

A nutrition assessment survey of the rural areas around Baidoa is due to start on 29 July, to be undertaken jointly by IMC and WHO. They expect preliminary results to be ready in mid-August.

In Kismayo, UNICEF chose 80 youth (men and women) to train to become social mobilisers for the community. The youths were trained over a six-day period about the importance of breast-feeding, weaning practices, diarrhoeal diseases' control and prevention as well as malaria case management. The group has now developed a detailed home-visit strategy to talk to families one-on-one and inform them of the UNICEF MCH and feeding centre activities.

AGRICULTURE

1996 Gu Harvest Update

WFP's Food Security Assessment Unit (FSAU) estimates that the 1996 Gu harvest will yield grain production within the range of 170,000 to 210,00 MTs. The reason for the range is to account for possible damage done to crops from Quela-quela birds, insects and moisture stress. The bulk of the Gu harvest is expected to be later this year, around 10 August.

Comparison of the 1996 Production to Previous Years (Annual Production - Gu and Deyr Harvests)

(Source: WFP-FSAU, June Highlights: Gu Crop Establishment Assessment.)

Floods Severely Damage Crops

Further reports were received during the period on the extent of flood damage along the Juba river and in other areas. According to WFP / FSAU, river waters have reached up to two miles beyond the usual river course in some areas. In some locations prior to the flooding, farmers had deliberately broken flood dikes and retaining walls in an attempt to water their seeded fields, after growing impatient with late arriving or non-existent rains. Up to two-thirds of the cropped lands in the Jamame / Marere- Jilib districts are flooded, which in Jamame meant the destruction of about 4,000 hectares (3,500 MTs of sorghum / maize). Throughout the month of July, agencies including UNICEF, WFP, World Vision, the ICRC and others have delivered food aid, medical kits, tents, fishing nets and seeds for planing when the river subsides. Flooding in the Shabelle river was reported as less severe, although in Merca and Jowhar areas, fields of established maize in some villages were completely destroyed.

EDUCATION

Support to the Education Sector in Somalia

The continuation of education today is absolutely vital to the Somali society of tomorrow. Given the limited resources available for this sector and in some cases, lack of community involvement, many Somali children have not graduated past primary school, if they have even been lucky enough to attend in the first place. With funding from EC Somalia, UNESCO and Africa Educational Trust are now organising a workshop to be held in August to plan a study to assess the secondary and tertiary-level education needs of Somali adolescents and develop project proposals. In Borama, UNESCO and UNOPS are training 30 primary school teachers on the use of the Teacher Emergency Package (TEP) developed by the UNESCO-PEER programme. The package materials are designed to be used anywhere (even under a tree ) so that education can continue in the absence of schools in some areas. Also during the first week of August, UNICEF and UNESCO will be conducting a training workshop for 60 Koranic School teachers in the area. In the Juba Valley, Jamame Primary school re-opened using a community-provided building. UNICEF provided one education kit and blackboard paint to support the school, which will serve an estimated 320 children. Preparations are underway to hold a regional teacher training workshop in the Juba Valley, with possible support from UNESCO Mogadishu trainers. In Kismayo, a disabled adults' training centre was assisted with one education kit provided by UNICEF, which will benefit an estimated 50 persons.

REHABILITATION

UNDP / ICAO Support to Civil Aviation in Somalia

The continued absence of a national government and services for Somalia has led to the creation of a Civil Aviation Caretaker Authority in coordination between the UN Secretary-General, UNDP and ICAO. This project, implemented by ICAO, was designed to maintain safety for air transport operation into and through the airspace of Somalia. This Caretaker Authority, since its establishment in March 1996, aims to provide air traffic services, rehabilitation of designated airports in Somalia in conjunction with UN humanitarian and relief operations, and interim organisational structure, including the training of Somali national staff. This will enable the future government of Somalia to take over these responsibilities with essential elements in place. To date, the Authority has operated primarily on the concept of sustainable self-financing, with initial financial input by UNDP. Its main source of income, however, is based on aeronautical charges applied to international air transport operation through the upper airspace of Somalia. Current net receipts from air navigation charges are estimated at USD170,000 per month. Building on the accomplishments of the previous UNDP/ ICAO Technical Cooperation Project, the Caretaker Authority has established a fully operational Mogadishu Flight Information Center (located in Nairobi) which recently commissioned an Aeronautical Communications Station. This allows airplanes flying over Somali airspace to communicate directly with the station, instead of relaying through Kenyan aviation authorities as done in the past. The Flight Information Center is maintained on 24-hour basis. In addition to communications services, technical assistance has been provided in terms of engineering assessments, specifications and work plans for several designated airports in Somalia. Implementation of the work is being coordinated with the respective local authorities. To date, an initial work programme for the rehabilitation of the Bossaso airport has been completed resulting in improved safety of aircraft operations. Similar projects are targeted for Berbera, Kalabayd, Galcayo and Kismayo airports, including establishment of VHF and HF ground to air communications and flight following facilities. Training is also a large part of the project, and ICAO presently employs 35 national professionals. The project facilitates refresher courses and upgrades for the professionals, who in many cases then train other Somalis who are based at Somali airfields.

ONE YEAR AGO ... (16-31 JULY 1995)

One UNICEF national st