Attachments
- INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
Somalia has faced complex humanitarian challenges for decades due to conflict, political instability, and recurring climatic shocks. These factors have led to widespread displacement, heightened protection risks, and limited access to essential services, particularly in conflict-affected districts like Bosasso, Luuq, and South Galkacyo. Vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and minority clans, are disproportionately affected. In Luuq, clan-based conflicts significantly contribute to instability, frequently displacing populations and exposing them to various protection risks. According to a 2024 report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 30,000 individuals have been displaced due to ongoing tribal clashes in the Gedo region. These displaced populations face heightened risks of gender-based violence (GBV), forced evictions, and child exploitation, with limited access to basic services such as healthcare, shelter, and education. Similarly, Bosasso and South Galkacyo have experienced recurrent clan disputes and resource-based conflicts, exacerbating protection concerns and reducing the availability of critical services.
Access to essential services, including healthcare, water, education, and protection, remains a significant challenge in these districts. High costs, long distances, and insecurity prevent many displaced and vulnerable populations from utilizing available services. As noted in OCHA’s 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, less than 30% of displaced households in Bosasso and South Galkacyo have consistent access to health services. Furthermore, GBV response services and psychosocial support remain under-resourced, with utilization rates reported below 10% across all districts. The broader conflict dynamics in the region further compound protection risks and barriers to accessing services. Strained relations between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and Jubaland State (JSS) and recurring border tensions with Ethiopia have contributed to a fragile security environment that hinders effective humanitarian aid delivery.
Local disputes and political rivalries have disrupted humanitarian efforts in key areas, leaving many vulnerable groups without necessary support.
Given this context, addressing protection risks, and improving access to services require well-coordinated, conflict-sensitive, and inclusive approaches. This report aims to analyze the current protection risks, access to essential services, and conflict dynamics in Bosasso, Luuq, and South Galkacyo. By leveraging a mixed-method approach—combining quantitative surveys, qualitative Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and desk review—the study seeks to offer evidence-based recommendations for targeted interventions that enhance community safety, dignity, and resilience.