AU calls for more humanitarian Aid to Somalia

By Daniel Arapmoi
Wednesday, January 7, 2015

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Fighting between the Al-Shabaab militants and allied forces of the African Union and Somalia has left many killed and caused disruption and displacement to the local population.

Despite allied forces’ Operation Eagle leading to key territorial gains against the Al-Shabaab militants, the humanitarian situation within the liberated districts is reportedly dire.

According to Somali government officials, ground access is limited in more than 70% of districts in South and Central region due to insecurity.

Meeting in the Ugandan Capital Kampala, the African Union Special Representative urged the AU forces on the ground in Mogadishu to adapt to new challenges if Al-shabaab militants are to be contained.

Though strategic areas are liberated, there are concerns that the flexibility and fluency needed to fight the militants is not there due to the rigidity of the chain of command.

Joint military offensive by the Somali National Army and the African Union Mission in 2014 saw over twenty towns recovered from Al-shabaab.

Last year saw a spike in insecurity in the capital Mogadishu, including attacks on the Federal parliament as well as on Villa Somalia, the seat of the Federal Government. There have also been several targeted assassinations including against government officials and journalists.

The humanitarian crisis in Somalia remains among the worst in the world. According to officials, the situation has worsened in the last month due to drought and restricted flow of commercial goods in areas affected by recent military operations against the Al-shabaab.

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