The recent conflict in Somalia’s Bay region has uprooted thousands of families, including many who were already displaced, leading them to seek refuge in drought-stricken rural areas. These families, now struggling to access basic necessities, are addressing the harsh realities of inadequate food, clean water, and shelter.
Gudey Abdullahi Malin, a mother of eight, fled her home in Baidoa after the violence erupted in late March. She now resides in Buula Gedisoy village, approximately 20 kilometers away, where the living conditions are dire. “We have nowhere proper to sleep.
At night we stay out in the open, and during the day we sit under trees, “she explained. The lack of shelter exposes them to both heat and cold, and their primary concern is obtaining food and water for their children.
Gudey’s children had been without food for an extended period, leading to vomiting after eating again. The unclean water they consume has also made some of them sick. A single jerrycan of water costs around 5,000 Somali shillings, which is unaffordable for her. She has resorted to begging small amounts of water from others, though it is often not clean.
Abdullahi Abdi Mohamed, a father of eight, shares a similar story. He fled Baidoa to the same village and faces the same challenges. “We depend on what people here can share with us.
Sometimes they give us a small meal at night, but other times we have nothing, “he. The journey to safety was arduous, as they walked for a full day and night due to the unaffordable cost of transportation.
Mohamed Abukar Ali, a youth activist involved in relief efforts, highlighted the plight of these displaced families. Many of them were already living in poverty before the conflict, surviving on daily labor in Baidoa. Their displacement has cut off those income sources, pushing them into deeper vulnerability. He also mentioned the severe shortages of food and water in areas such as Dinsoor, where basic services are lacking.
Despite the efforts of local initiatives, including water trucking supported by community members, businessmen, and diaspora groups, the needs of the displaced families remain unmet. Mohamed Abukar Ali emphasized the urgency of additional support, stating that the needs are far greater than what local efforts can cover.
The UN’s refugee and displacement agency, UNHCR, reported that approximately 50,000 people have been displaced by the recent fighting in the South West region. Many of them are now facing a combination of conflict-related displacement and prolonged drought, which has eroded livelihoods and limited their access to essential resources.
Source: reliefweb
