Political and Security
South-central:
In Mogadishu the security situation remains tense following the attack on the UNCC 19 June. The UNCC remains closed and missions into Mogadishu are restricted to those which are life saving. A number of reviews and assessment are presently being conducted into the incident. UNHCR FSA Mogadishu will be based in the MIA to ensure UNHCR is part of the ongoing reviews. Sheikh Dahir Aweys, a key Al Shabaab leader and warlord defected from Al Shabaab. He was provided shelter by the Himan and Heeb government in Adaado, Galgadud. He finally accepted the advice of his Habir-Gidir Sub-clan to move to Mogadishu and he arrived there on 29 June and was placed under arrest by the Somali Government.
Fighting broke out in Kismayo between militias loyal to Madobe and those of his opposition group. Armed clashes resumed and thousands of the Kismayo local residents have fled into the neighboring villages for safety. Following clashes in the city between armed groups resulted huge displacements of the local communities. According to partners over hundred families went to Jamame, Jilib, Qamqam, Ranjaron, Bula Haji, Yontoy and Kabsuma. A UNHCR mission travelled to Dhobley on 27 June to assess office premises.
Puntland:
The security situation in Puntland’s Bari, Nugaal, Sool and Sanaag regions remained calm but unpredictable with no reports of major security incidents during the reporting week. Political associations registered with the Transitional Puntland Electoral Commission (TPEC) have begun holding massive public campaigns in Puntland’s major cities. The campaign commenced on June 27, when Wadajir political association held public rallies in Garowe and Bossaso, while UDAD political association held similar public rallies on June 28 in Garowe, Bossaso, Galkayo and other towns, followed campaigns by members and supporters of Horseed political party on June 29 in Bossaso, Garowe, Galkayo, and Badhan, among other cities. Thousands of people gathered in peaceful public rallies across Puntland’s cities displaying support for the different political associations competing for District Council elections scheduled for July 15. Puntland is scheduled to hold “first-ever District Council elections” whereby four registered political associations will compete for “over 700 seats across Puntland” on July 15, followed by parliamentary elections later 2013.