​Somalia: Puntland requests nomadic communities to return to remote vicinity

GAROWE, Puntland- The government of Somalia’s semi-autonomous region of Puntland, has warned the nomadic communities on Monday form setting up settlement at the outskirts of Garowe city the regional capital of the state, Garowe Online reports.

The order came after about 1,500 nomadic families moved from remote vicinity in hope to receive humanitarian and financial aid from international organizations operating in Somalia. 

The families were reported to be displaced following the recent drought crisis that hit large part of the country including Puntland region. 

Many families lost livestock, a crucial livelihood for the nomadic communities living in the remote areas in the region.

Speaking to the local media, the deputy Minister of Interior, Abdulahi Mohamed Hashi “Qoob-Dero” urged the families to return back to their areas, saying the situation is back to normal following low rainfalls that showered part of Nugal region.

“They were told they will receive livestock and food assistance, i hereby inform respected Puntland people that this information is false,” said the deputy Minister.

He later said the administration will take strong actions against those who behind the move. Deputy Minister blamed individuals who are taking advantage of the drought’s victims to make financial profits by moving the families to the outskirts of Garowe. 

The new settlement clearly lack any essential services including water and latrines, added Hashi.

So far it is not clear the current administration's plan to stop settlement or providing the needed families with humanitarian or financial aid.

GAROWEONLINE