Somalia: Humanitarian Access Snapshot (April to June 2023) - As of 30 June 2023

As for Quarter 1 2023 (January to March), in Quarter 2 (April to June) humanitarian access in Somalia continued to present significant challenges. Humanitarian partners operating across the country reported a total of 66 access incidents, representing a 59 per cent decrease from 98 incidents in the first quarter. However, the reduction in incidents themselves does not indicate a meaningful improvement in humanitarian access, as factors contributing to the decrease included the higher level of movement restrictions in the first quarter. These were 73.4 per cent greater due to political events including election-related activities, calls for demonstrations and VIP movements. Additionally, the physical restrictions recorded in Quarter 1, were 56.3 per cent higher compared to Quarter 2. This increase coincided with the onset of the rainy season, characterized by heavy rains and floods that significantly hindered access for humanitarian workers to numerous areas and settlements for Internally Displaced People (IDPs). Two other critical access constraints exist: interferences in the implementation of humanitarian activities and military operations, as well as ongoing hostilities, which impede humanitarian operations. The access challenges in Somalia therefore remain substantial. Incidents of interferences increased by 82.4 per cent in Quarter 2 compared to Quarter 1, highlighting the persistence of this issue for humanitarian actors. On the other hand, access impediments related to ongoing military operations decreased to five incidents in Quarter 2, compared to seven incidents in Quarter 1. The pattern of this specific access constraint remains relatively constant.

During the reporting period, three humanitarian workers lost their lives while carrying out their duties. Two perished when their vehicle was swept away by a flash flood in Gebiley District, Woqooyi Galbeed Region, Somaliland State. The second incident claimed the life of a humanitarian staff member during a coordinated attack by Al-Shabab on the Pearl Beach Hotel and Restaurant in Abdiaziz district, Mogadishu on 8 June. At least 16 civilians also lost their lives in this incident. Furthermore, nine humanitarian workers were abducted in three separate incidents: two in Southwest State on 23 June and the third in Hirshabelle State on 5 June. These abductions were reportedly carried out by Al-Shabab, but the reasons remain unknown. In response to these incidents, local elders took the initiative to negotiate to secure the safe release of the abducted workers. So far, five have been released under undisclosed terms and circumstances.

Quarter 2 saw a significant decline in movement restrictions as a reported access constraint. It shifted from being the most frequently reported constraint in Quarter 1 to the second position, alongside violence against workers. Both had a total of 10 incidents. Movement restrictions were imposed for several reasons including military operations, bureaucratic impediments, interference, politically driven decisions, and internal security concerns amongst humanitarian agencies. The 10 incidents accounted for 15 per cent of the overall recorded access impediments. At least five cases were reported where the movement of humanitarian personnel was restricted, leading to the activation of alternative work modalities as a precautionary measure against potential security risks. In two instances, humanitarian workers had to temporarily suspend their movements and reschedule plans for the following week when the situation returned to normal.

The most reported access constraint during the reporting period was interference in the implementation of humanitarian activities.
These interferences disrupted the smooth execution of humanitarian operations. Of significance, the Puntland authorities suspended the operations of 10 humanitarian agencies based on allegations of "lack of cooperation and information sharing, violation of the NGO Act, and operating in the state without being registered with Puntland authorities." Following advocacy efforts, all 10 Non-Governmental Organisations were eventually allowed to resume their activities. Similarly, two other humanitarian agencies encountered difficulties in providing relief assistance to displaced people in the western part of Laas Caanood town in Sool region after the Somaliland authorities refused to grant them sub-agreements. Some of the remaining reported incidents occurred due to a lack of understanding of humanitarian operations and unfamiliarity with the procedures and principles guiding humanitarian work, leading to misunderstandings with local authorities, local communities, and beneficiaries. For example, in Waraabeeye village, Burco district, an individual opened fire at an NGO site, suspending the beneficiary registration process and demanding to be included in the registration list. In Doolow district, Jubaland State, humanitarian organizations received a memo outlining 11 new requirements issued by newly appointed staff in the District Commissioner's office. After engagement, the district authorities retracted the requirements. There is a need for ongoing communication and dialogue between humanitarian workers and local authorities to enhance mutual understanding and collaboration and minimize misunderstandings.

Ten incidents were reported, highlighting the significant impact of funding shortages on access to essential humanitarian services such as health, education, water and food assistance. In Baidoa, Southwest State, 8,064 people (4,255 boys and 3,809 girls), lost access to education services when 44 schools located in IDP sites were forced to close. Similar challenges were observed in other locations, albeit affecting different services and locations. Southwest State was the most affected, with four such reported incidents, followed by Puntland and Banadir, each recording two incidents. One incident was reported in Galmadug and another in Jubaland. Ten incidents of violence against humanitarian workers were reported during the period, encompassing various forms of violence, including abductions, carjackings, damage and destruction of humanitarian assets, as well as threats targeting humanitarian personnel.

Five additional incidents involving threats against humanitarian workers were documented. In Diinsor district, Southwest State, including an incident when a grenade was thrown at a facility where cards were being distributed to displaced persons. Iin Luuq district, Jubaland, clan militia attacked a humanitarian facility in the area, explicitly warning workers against going out into the field. In Baardheere district,
Jubaland, armed people opened fire on aid recipients at a humanitarian distribution facility located in fitteen IDP camp. No casualties were reported in any of these incidents. In another incident in Sool, a vehicle rented by humanitarian actors was intercepted in Buuhoodle district. The driver was eventually released, and the vehicle returned.

Physical access constraints, primarily caused by floods, significantly decreased during Quarter 2. Humanitarian partners reported seven incidents, representing a 56 per cent decrease from nine reported in Quarter 1. The decline is attributed to lower rainfall volumes since the end of May. Most of the seven incidents occurred in Hirshabelle State and five were related to floods. For instance, on 14 May, due to the rise in floodwater levels in Belet Weyne district, people were stranded in isolated parts of the town. To respond to their needs, a humanitarian agency conducted airdrops in at least eight areas that were inaccessible due to the flooding. Similarly, on 15 June, a joint mission of six humanitarian agencies and the local authorities, faced significant challenges in accessing 30 flood-affected areas in the eastern part of Jowhar town.