Over 342,000 Displaced in Somalia Amid Conflict and Climate Change

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that over 342,000 people have been internally displaced in Somalia in the first eight months of 2024 due to conflict, insecurity, and climate change, Xinhua reported yesterday.

In August alone, approximately 23,000 displacements occurred, with 43% linked to conflict, flooding, and drought.

The UNHCR highlighted that food, shelter, livelihood, water, and health are the primary needs of these families, with the Bari, Bay, Middle Juba, Gedo, and Lower Juba regions experiencing the highest influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Women and children constitute 80% of the displaced population.

Ongoing insecurity stems from armed conflict involving Somali security forces and al-Shabab, as well as clan disputes. Somalia also hosts 40,200 refugees, primarily from Ethiopia and Yemen. Since December 2014, 139,260 former refugees have returned to Somalia, with assistance provided through various repatriation programs.