The number of Somali nationals seeking refuge in Mandera continues to surge as the fight between troops from the Federal Government of Somalia (FSG) and Jubbaland forces rage within the Gedo region.
The clashes that started on July 21 have led to at least 2,289 people fleeing into Kenya, according to the Kenya Red Cross in Mandera.
“We have set up two evacuation sites that are holding more than 2000 people, all victims of the war in the Gedo region,” said Mr Adan Mustafa, the County Red Cross Coordinator.
“Most of the people affected are women, children and those living with disabilities (PWDs). These groups are in need of humanitarian assistance,” Mr Mustafa said.
He added: “They need water, medication and food as children risk suffering from malnutrition...The situation remains tense along the border and as we receive refugees, we appeal for enhanced security within our border and in the evacuation sites.”
When reached, Mr Robinson Ndiwa, Mandera County Police Commander, assured both locals and refugees of safety in Mandera.
He noted that the common border with Somalia remains sealed off to keep Al-Shabaab militants from crossing in.
Local security agencies view the forces clash as a hindrance to the collaboration between Jubbaland and FGS in addressing security threats in the Gedo region.
Mogadishu has since accused Jubbaland of ordering “militia attacks on the national army bases and civilian areas in Bula Hawa, leading to civilian casualties.”
“Many people have died since last week. All our businesses and homes have been destroyed by the fighting forces,” Ms Hawa Aden, a victim, said.
“Becoming a refugee was never been on my mind but now here I am. I am praying for calm so that I can go back home.”
Another somali national, Ms Halima Ali, said she will stay in Kenya until the situation improves.
“I appreciate the compassion extended to me and others from Somalia by Kenya,” she said.
On Wednesday, another round of fighting erupted in Bula Hawa near Kenya with missiles landing in Mandera.
“We were not at home but our house has been ripped by what looks like a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) launched from Somalia,” Mr Omar Aliow, a resident of Bula Geneva in Mandera town, said.
FGS troops led by Mr Abdirashid Janan, a former Jubbaland minister for security, declared capturing Bula Hawa last evening driving out Jubbaland forces.
Seizure of Bula Hawa by the FGS troops signals the start of voter registration exercise in the Gedo region, a stronghold of Ahmed Islam Mohamed Modobe, the Jubbaland leader opposed to proposed constitutional changes that could lead to direct polls.
FGS troops led by Mr Abdirashid Janan, a former Jubbaland minister for security, declared capturing Bula Hawa last evening driving out Jubbaland forces.
Seizure of Bula Hawa by the FGS troops signals the start of voter registration exercise in the Gedo region, a stronghold of Ahmed Islam Mohamed Modobe, the Jubbaland leader opposed to proposed constitutional changes that could lead to direct polls.
