Volume 4

Number 1

The African Star

An on-line publication for the certificate  and degree  in journalism distance education program

 

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Fighting in Mogadishu causes people to flee

 Mohamed Ige Mohamed

 Fighting started in the Somali capital, Mogadishu,  has caused a huge displacement of people. A report by Elman human rights organization stated that 381 people were killed and  1165 were injured where 5991 displaced from their homes, those who displaced reached as far as  the border with Kenya.

The fighting was between  the Somali federal Transitional Government (TFG) supported by  Ethiopian troops against the insurgents.

A ceasefire  has been agreed by Ethiopian officials and elders of Mogadishu. But many people doubt the ceasefire would be effective because Mogadishu has been center of most conflicts in Somalia.  

At least 28 dead bodies were in people’s residences. Other dead and injured were on the streets. There was little help for the injures, according to observers.

The situation in Mogadishu is, however relatively. People are returning to their homes. But FTG prime minister,  Ali Mohamed Geedi, said refugees who lived in government buildings may not come back  to the buildings. This has left them stranded and suffering from diseases caused by rains and children suffering from cholera. The refugees need help in form of food, blankets, clothes and medicines.