Some 2,700 families displaced by conflict in parts of Hiran region have reached Beledweyne and joined IDP camps in the town.
Khadija Moallim Hussein, a mother from El-dher settlement, 60km west of Beledweyne, said they were forced to run away to escape conflict between Somali federal government forces backed by AMISOM, and Al-Shabaab militants in parts of the region.
“We are 45 families who fled from El-dher after clashes between the forces of Somali federal government and AMISOM and Al-Shabaab erupted in the area which resulted in the burning down of 15 houses and death of several people. We trekked to Beledweyne as vehicles could not enter the areas affected by the ongoing fighting. We left behind those who were unable to walk,” she told Radio Ergo.
Adan Moallim Madeer, a father of six, from Buq-aqable village west of Beledweyne, said the fighting forced them to leave behind their animals and properties to find safety, making them become IDPs in Bundaweyne and Howlwadag camps.
He said they were living in conditions of great hardship and lacked essentials such as food and shelter.
Abdi Abdulle Waasuge, one of the local elders, who stood up to receive the displaced families, told Radio Ergo the affected people came from El-dher, Buq-aqable, Aad-hog, El-Ali, Buq-kosar among other settlements in Hiran.
He said these people needed emergency aid as they were uprooted from their homes where they depended on livestock and farming. He particularly called on the local businesspeople to come to the aid of these families.
Beledweyne district commissioner Mohamed Moallim confirmed that about 2,700 displaced families had arrived in the town, and that dozens more were on the way fleeing the renewed conflict in their areas.
He said they needrf food, shelter and medicines.
