Mogadishu: At least 31 people were killed and over 30 others injured in ethnic clashes in Somalia’s Lashimo Valley last week, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
The violence, which erupted on May 6 and 7 in northern Somalia, has displaced nearly 9,000 people. The UNHCR said around 85 percent of those displaced are women and children.
According to the agency, the clashes were triggered by disputes over access to water sources and grazing land amid worsening drought conditions. Competition for scarce resources among nomadic communities has sharply increased tensions in the region.
The UNHCR warned that the growing violence in rural areas has created fear among civilians and could lead to further displacement in the coming days. Officials also expressed concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation as communities continue to struggle with severe drought and insecurity.
