The humanitarian situation in Baidoa and surrounding areas is deteriorating as renewed armed violence threatens civilians who have already endured years of terrorism, drought, hunger, displacement and conflict.
Nearly two million people are estimated to live in Baidoa and its surrounding areas, including more than half a million displaced people who had sought safety from previous crises.
Many of these vulnerable communities are now once again facing the devastating consequences of armed confrontation.
This is no longer simply a political dispute. It is becoming a serious humanitarian crisis.
Reports indicate that civilians have been killed and wounded, humanitarian activities disrupted, communications interrupted, and families forced to seek shelter in residential areas amid the use of heavy weapons.
The international community has a responsibility to act.
Governments and international organisations supporting Somalia must ensure that weapons, military vehicles, training, intelligence and financial assistance provided to Somali security institutions are not misused against civilians or employed as instruments of political coercion.Key Demands
1. Immediate and verifiable withdrawal of armed forces from civilian areas.
2. Urgent humanitarian protection and emergency assistance for families displaced by the violence.
3. An independent investigation into civilian deaths and any alleged violations of international humanitarian law.
4. Accountability for the misuse of internationally supplied military resources.
5. Inclusive political dialogue conducted through Somalia’s constitutional and legal processes rather than through political arrangements imposed by force.
Baidoa was once known as the “City of Death” during some of Somalia’s darkest years.
In later years, it became a refuge for some of the country’s most vulnerable people.
It must not be allowed to become a battlefield again.
Silence cannot be considered neutrality when civilians are being killed, wounded and forced from their homes.
The United Nations, African Union, IGAD, European Union, humanitarian organisations and Somalia’s international partners must act urgently to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian access and prevent further escalation.
Defend Baidoa.
Protect civilians.
Stop the violence.
Prevent another chapter of bloodshed in Somalia.
