eNCA
Friday, December 20, 2013
The African Union Mission in Somalia
(Amisom) is calling for urgent humanitarian assistance in the town of
Jowhar after flooding in the area displaced thousands of people.
Inter-tribal fighting in the region is also exacerbating the situation.
Jowhar lies just 90 kilometres north of Mogadishu - in the Middle Shabelle region, yet the capital city can do little to help the people there.
Since September, heavy rains have led to flooding with an estimated 10,000 people having been displaced.
They've sought refuge at a nearby Amisom base, but the influx has put a lot of strain on resources.
Inter-clan fighting is compounding the crisis, as the Jareer and Abgaal tribes have been clashing over disputed farmland.
"Most people were forced to come to our defensive position, seeking
refuge but at the same time, there was lack of food, water and
medication," said Captain Moses Amuya of Amisom.
"When we communicated to humanitarian agencies through our high
authorities, they were able to respond. But now the challenge was that
they could not move by road, the trucks could not cross the waters..."
Aid workers have been targeted in the past in Somalia.
As recently as Wednesday, gunmen killed six Syrian and Somali doctors who were travelling to Madina.
Al-Shabaab militants have denied responsibility, but the attack highlights the dangers facing aid workers in Somalia.
Source: eNCA