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Somalia

Somalia Population Movement - DREF Operational Update (MDRSO020)

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What happened, where and when?

The overall situation in both the Erigabo and Bari regions is dire, with escalating violence and displacement placing immense pressure on local resources and humanitarian systems. In Erigabo, intense fighting has caused widespread displacement, with thousands fleeing to neighboring towns and districts. Similarly, in Bari, violent clashes have led to a significant increase in the number of internally displaced people, further straining the capacity of already vulnerable regions. Both areas are experiencing severe shortages in basic needs, including food, water, healthcare, and shelter, as local authorities and humanitarian organizations struggle to respond amidst ongoing insecurity. Ergabo Population Movement: Since 14 December 2024, violent clashes broke out in Erigabo, the capital of the Sanaag region in Somaliland, and have caused casualties and widespread displacement. With intense fighting, particularly in the town's southern areas and nearby locations, around 43,000 people have fled, seeking refuge in nearby towns such as Ceel Afweyn, Badhan, Fiqifuliye, Laasqoray, Xingalool and areas such as Bossaso and Burco. This violence is part of ongoing clan and territorial conflicts in the region. On December 18, 2024, the NADFOR (National Disaster Preparedness and Food Reserve Authority) and MoHADM (Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management) issued an appeal for support from humanitarian partners for the Erigabo conflict in Somaliland. Bari Population Movement: On December 31, 2024, a heavy explosive attack followed by infantry assault took place at the Dharjale military base near Iskushuban district in Puntland. The attack caused injuries, property damage and led to significant displacement in the nearby village. This was part of an intensifying conflict between government forces and non-state actors who had moved into the Calmiskaat mountains. Since the violence began in December 2024, it has continued to escalate, with more civilians fleeing the affected areas. As a result, around 60,960 people (10,160 households) have been displaced and sought refuge in safer areas such as Qandala, Balidhidhin, Iskushuban, and Ufeyn districts. The displaced people are primarily rural pastoralists, farmers, and resin collectors from the highland areas. On January 13, 2025, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management issued another appeal to all humanitarian partners to support the increasing number of internally displaced people from the Calmiskaat Mountains in Puntland. Overall, the displacement has put immense pressure on local resources and humanitarian efforts, with many people moving to already vulnerable regions. Local authorities and aid organizations are struggling to meet the growing needs amidst the ongoing insecurity. The violence has left many people without access to basic necessities like food, water, healthcare, and shelter. The situation remains unstable, and more people are expected to flee in the coming days, worsening the humanitarian crisis. In response to this urgent call and the needs of the impacted population, SRCS collaborated with other humanitarian organizations, conducted assessments, and identified critical areas, particularly for the Erigabo conflict, where support is most needed.