3 July 2008
Nairobi — Life is returning to normal in Guri-Eil in Galgadud region, central Somalia, as thousands of displaced people make their way back to the town after fleeing fighting between Ethiopian forces and insurgents.
"The town is calm and we have begun the process of bringing back the population," Ali Sheikh Mahamud, the Galgadud district commissioner, told IRIN on 3 July.
Most of the 30,000 residents and thousands of displaced people fled the town after intense fighting between the Ethiopians and insurgents on 29 June, officials said at the time.
The two sides have since withdrawn from the town and surrounding areas, "but there are reports of fighting some 100km south of Guri-Eil", he said.
"They [townspeople] are scattered all over the place," he said. "Since yesterday, we have been ferrying those who fled to the nearby villages and today we are beginning the process of bringing back the others."
The displaced had sought refuge on the outskirts of the town and in areas where they had little or no access to water, food or proper shelter.
"Many were eager to return but there are some who still worry that the fighting may resume," Mahamud said.
Basra Osman, a mother of 10, who was one of the first to return, said it was difficult to stay where they were.
"I was in Bali Ad [52km northeast of Guri-Eil]; we had no shelter and water was very scarce. As soon as I heard that they had left I began the journey back," she said. She was worried that fighting could resume but said, "We have no choice, we had to return."
Mahamud said the process would take a few days due to a shortage of vehicles and the large numbers of people involved.
He appealed for help. "Any assistance is welcome. These are people who have been displaced many times and have very little."
According to a local human rights group, at least 8,000 people have been killed across the country since fighting between Ethiopian-backed Somali forces and insurgents intensified in early 2007, and more than a million displaced since 2007.
Aid workers estimate 2.6 million Somalis need assistance. That number is expected to reach 3.5 million by year-end if the humanitarian situation does not improve, according to the UN.
[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations ]
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