Efforts to assist vulnerable populations in Somalia in the continuing humanitarian emergency suffered a setback this week when two Medecins Sans Frontieres – Belgium (MSF) staff members were kidnapped on 19 April. When they were abducted, the Dutch and Belgian doctors were returning from a medical supervisory visit between Rab Dhuure and Xudur districts of Bakool region. MSF is working to ensure their swift and safe return. With the latest incident, a total of six aid workers have been abducted in Somalia this year – four were released on the same day in March at Waajid, Bakool region. In 2008, 26 aid-related workers were abducted and with the latest incident, 18 remain in captivity.
On 19 April, a former employee of CARE International Somalia was shot and killed by unidentified gunmen at his house in Marka, Lower Shabelle region. The motive of his killing is unknown. CARE withdrew from southern Somalia in January 2009 followings warnings by Al Shabaab to cease operations. In Waajid, a hand grenade was thrown into the WFP compound on 17 April. Fortunately, it did not explode so there were no casualties or damages.
At least four civilians died and several others were wounded on 20 April, when fighting between Islamic Courts Union and Hizbul Islamia militias in Belet Weyne, Hiraan region. The fighting was triggered by opposition to the ICU’s decision to collect tax. An unknown numbers of people were displaced in the skirmishes.
There has been a drop in malaria prevalence in Somalia, attributed to increased distribution of Long Lasting Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Nets (LLINs). A press statement issued today by UNICEF stated, "evidence has shown that wide scale use of LLINs conferred the best protection against malaria in South/Central Somalia with an overall prevalence among LLINs user being 6.9 percent compared with 17 percent in those who do not sleep under a net." The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) has committed to support UNICEF’s malaria programme in Somalia until 2013.
An international conference aiming to solicit funding from the international donor community in support of the Somali security institutions and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) took place on 23 April, in Brussels, Belgium. The conference was convened by the United Nations Secretary-General following the request of the UN Security Council in its resolution 1863 of 16 January 2009. The conference was hosted by the European Union/Commission. At the end of the conference, donors pledged total of US$213 million.
The Consolidated Appeal Process (CAP) for Somalia is 32 percent funded with US$317 million received in the first quarter of 2009. At least 46 percent or US$80 million was carry-over funds from late 2008. Sectors that have received most funding include Food Aid 40 percent, Nutrition 36 percent and Logistics 14 percent. Education, Security and Shelter remain unfunded.
Response
WFP carried out several food distributions during the week.
Mogadishu and Afgooye corridor
General Food Distribution & Cook meals
107,838 # of Beneficiaries
1,805 Metric Tons
Hagar district, Lower Juba
Supplementary Feeding
1,904 # of Beneficiaries
96 Metric Tons
Bulo Hawo, Baardheere – Gedo region and Belet Weyne, Matabaan and Jalalaqsi if Hiraan region
General Food Distribution
206,118 # of Beneficiaries
4,084 Metric Tons
Bossaso, Puntland
Supplementary Feeding Programme, Social support, food for training and school feeding programme
24,725 # of Beneficiaries
312 Metric Tons
Water trucking supported by UNICEF, Ministry of Water, Natural Environment Research and Disaster Management Authority (NERAD) and other partners started in Togdheer, Sool and Sanaag regions in Somaliland where effects of a prolonged dry season are being felt. Over 1,800 households will have benefited from water by the end of the programme on 26 April. The programme could be extended depending on the needs of the communities.
Mareeg.com
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