Unrest also continues in other areas of South/Central. In Baidoa, on 27 June, a hand grenade was thrown into a hotel injuring several people. This is the third such attack in the town in the month of June. Tensions also remain high in Kismayo following fighting on 22 June between Majerteen and Marehan sub-clan militia over control of the area; six people were reported dead and about 50 more injured in the attacks. On 27 June, parliamentarian and former Defense Minister, Barre Hirale (of the Marehan clan) survived a road side bomb as he was traveling in Bardere (Gedo).

In a separate event, a doctor and driver working with an international NGO were killed in El-Barde (Bakool); according to reports, the two individuals were victims of a clan feud.

While still a health concern, the Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD)/cholera outbreak is being contained in areas where partners have access. According to WHO, between 1 January and 22 June 2007, 37,094 cases of clinically diagnosed AWD cases have been reported throughout the ten regions of South/Central Somalia, including 1,133 related deaths. Over the last month, in all ten regions, the trend shows a decrease in reported cases.

Reports have been received of winged locusts in Somaliland and Puntland; particularly in Sanag and Bari regions in recent days. Technical experts in the FAO Locust Group at FAO HQ in Rome are working closely with the Desert Locust Control Organisations (DLCO) based in Dire Dawa (Ethiopia) and carefully monitoring the situation. Earlier this week, an expert from DLCO arrived in northern Somalia to assess the situation.

Returns and Displacements

According to the Protection Movement Tracking (PMT) initiative, around 1,500 people have returned to Mogadishu this week, bringing the total number of returns in June to around 4,000. Meanwhile, nearly 123,000 IDPs are reported to have returned to Mogadishu as of 29 June (out of an estimated 400,000 who fled the insecurity between February and April). Movement back to the capital continues to be obstructed by insecurity in the city and uncertainty about living conditions and options.

Access and Response

Despite security obstacles, the rapid IDP survey in Mogadishu which started earlier in June 2007 has been completed. This rapid survey follows on from an initial IDP profiling exercise in the capital in February/march 2007. Its purpose was to collect more information on the nature and underlying causes of displacement during the fighting in Mogadishu earlier this year, as well as the intentions of the displaced. The findings of the rapid survey will help in the development and prioritization of response activities.

The closure of the Kenya/Somali border continues to delay cross-border movement of relief supplies. Food belonging to WFP and CARE amounting to 8,500 metric tons and 25 metric tons of UNICEF UNIMIX supplementary food for malnourished children remain stuck at the Kenyan border unable to cross into Somalia. A convoy of 290 trucks was previously carrying the supplies, but due to the hold-up the supplies have now been unloaded into warehouses. The consignments are intended for 140,000 beneficiaries in Bay and Gedo regions while the supplementary feeding for is intended for various affected locations in Middle Shabelle, Middle Juba and Bay regions. Gedo in particular, has been experiencing a persistent nutritional crisis for years with malnutrition rates of over 20%. Various appeals have been made to the Kenyan authorities to allow passage of relief supplies, so far have not proven effective.

Due to clan clashes in Kismayo, transporters are not currently using the main road between Kismayo and Jilib (Lower Juba).

Meanwhile, WFP has commenced its third round of food distribution for IDPs in Mogadishu, although the distribution was subsequently halted following an incident at one of the intended food distribution points where food was yet to be dispatched. By 27 June, when the activity was suspended, WFP had already distributed 1,200mt to 58,000 beneficiaries. Some 42,000 more IDPs are yet to receive their rations.  WFP is in discussions with the relevant TFG authorities for a quick resumption of the distributions.