This update provides information on the protection environment in Somalia, including apparent violations of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law as reported during the last two weeks through the IASC Somalia Protection Cluster monitoring systems. Incidents mentioned in this report are not exhaustive. They are intended to highlight credible reports in order to inform and prompt programming and advocacy initiatives by the humanitarian community and national authorities.
General Overview
Attempts to improve ties between the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the government of Puntland were initiated after both the TFG Prime Minister Sheikh Abdiweli Mohamed and the President, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed visited Garowe and met with Puntland government officials. Among other things, the two sides agreed to strengthen security cooperation, fight terrorism and promote and protect human rights in Puntland. However, it remains to be seen what effect the agreement may have on overarching protection concerns in Puntland with regards to ongoing clan conflicts, politically motivated killings, protection of IDPs and violations resulting from piracy-related crimes. Despite the positive political developments, violence erupted in Gaalkacyo between the Puntland police and clan militias on 1 September and continued for three days. The violence resulted in a large number casualties and massive displacement within Gaalkacyo as many moved their families to safer areas. A report suggests that approximately 80% of the Gaalkacyo town population of 100,000 moved out to nearby villages.