South/Central Somalia Fact Sheet

OVERVIEW OF HUMANITARIAN ENVIRONMENT IN SOUTH/CENTRAL

The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) for Somalia was established in Kenya in late 2004 yet its split relocation (Jowhar and Mogadishu) into southern Somalia in June 2005 has limited its capacity - and affected its ability to expand its authority on Somali territory to bring peace, stability and good governance to the country.

Most parts of South/Central continue to experience little authoritative government, sporadic armed conflict, widespread human rights abuses, endemic humanitarian needs, minimal access to social services, flooding , drought, displacement and lack of economic recovery. Lower/Middle Juba, Bay/Bakool, Gedo, Hiran, Mudug and Galgadud regions are beset by localized recurrent conflicts characterized by inter and intra clan rivalry, militia roadblocks/checkpoints, and random banditry with major flashpoints over power and resources, particularly land and water. Against this unpredictability, UN agencies, INGOs and local partners focus to the greatest extent possible on meeting the needs of the most vulnerable and food insecure, displaced, returnees and minority groups through a diverse mix of programmatic approaches.

Somali civil society has increasingly and significantly contributed to providing a range of essential services that have helped replace many of the functions of the state. Yet, lack of sustainable peace, security and the disruptive activities of militias and freelance gunmen have constrained what civil society can achieve. The demobilization of armed and freelance militia, for example, is an urgent prerequisite for sustainable social and economic recovery alongside the resumption of governance, law and order.

However, in 2006, it is possible that a new wave of 'optimism' among Somalis - many of whom are tired of conflict, will lead to increased humanitarian access to south/central zones where to date only limited aid has been reaching the most vulnerable. While the situation will continue to be volatile, where new opportunities for access will develop, expanding humanitarian presence with greater vigour will be crucial.

Meanwhile, chronic food insecurity and unacceptably high malnutrition levels persist in the south. In 2005, around a quarter of the under five population experienced levels of acute malnutrition exceeding the internationally accepted rate (15%) in parts of Gedo and Juba regions, malnutrition is above 20%. The region also faces the challenge of recurrent flooding (seen in Juba Valley in May 2005 due to heavy rainfall in the Ethiopian highlands). The lack of sustained humanitarian operations in the area was reflected in a slow humanitarian response. There are fears that if the Deyr rainy season fails (Oct/Nov 2005) the impact on the humanitarian situation will worsen dramatically. South/Central Somalia remains in a complex emergency, with lack of sustained humanitarian access and reduced operational capacity a major factor affecting human survival.

Major constraints affecting the presence and delivery of humanitarian assistance include volatile insecurity compounded by political instability; imbalanced sectoral funding; limited capacity of local implementing partners; interference by some local authorities in aid delivery, flooding and poor road infrastructure. Tragically in October 2005, a Somali National working for United Nations Department of Safety and Security was deliberately shot dead in Kismayo. It remains unclear what the motive was but the incident only underlines the precarious and unpredictable operating environment in much of the country (there is also growing concern over an increase in terrorist infiltration and extremism). In light of these challenges, agencies will continue to assess the needs and the response in south/central in efforts to overcome the constraints by, for example, the increased use of local actors to enhance the implementation and monitoring of humanitarian activities.

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