Worst humanitarian crisis in Africa

Residents flee from clashes between Ethiopian troops and Islamist-led rebels in Mogadishu, October 29, 2007 [REUTERS/Feisal Omar (SOMALIA), courtesy www.alertnet.org]

As violence escalates in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, CAFOD is providing desperately needed assistance to those forced from their homes by the fighting.

During the past two weeks an estimated 173,000 Mogadishu residents have fled the city and arrived in displaced camps.

CAFOD, in partnership with Caritas Somalia, Islamic Relief and Christian Aid, is helping more than 7,500 people at the Hawa Abdi camp, which is 20 kilometres from the capital.

It is the first time that CAFOD has worked in Somalia. Security concerns continue to make day to day operations dangerous and frustrating.

Catastrophe

Davide Bernocchi, executive director of Caritas Somalia, says that he fears that Somalia is moving inextricably toward a humanitarian catastrophe.

"It’s very frustrating because the security situation is so bad, aid agencies can’t help all those in need. The obstacles not only stem from the war situation itself but also from the predatory attitude of those for whom the displaced are either a lucrative business or nothing at all.

"Our own medical coordinator had to rush back to the capital a few days ago, after his teenage daughter had been hit in the head by a stray bullet.

"Thank God, she survived, but she needs to be urgently transferred to Nairobi, which is in itself another challenge."

Nik Bredholt, CAFOD’s regional humanitarian coordinator for East Africa said: "The hope that the people had nine months ago when the transitional government took over Mogadishu has been eroded in the intervening months as the conflict has spiralled into extreme violence.

"The clear sign that things are really bad at the moment is the numbers of people fleeing. The United Nations High Commission for Refuges estimates that each day around 1,200 Somali refugees arrive in Kenya."

Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, the UN special representative for Somalia, has said that the humanitarian situation in Somalia is the worst in Africa in terms of "food security, malnutrition, and all these issues. The current crisis in Mogadishu can only make it worse".

For further information please contact: Fiona Callister on 020 7095 5558 or 07867 908720 or fcallister@cafod.org.uk

take action

Advent Appeal 2008 Please send a message of support to kids this Advent at a special school run by a CAFOD partner

Shine a light in the darkness Please sign our petition calling on the world's largest mining company to listen to communities in the Philippines worried about the effect mining will have on their land - plus send a personal message of solidarity to the people of Macambol

Buy a World Gift Browse our new range of alternative gifts that act as two presents in one – something for you to give to friends or a relative, while the real gift changes the life of someone living in poverty