Somalia, a country that currently hosts one of the largest numbers of internally displaced persons in the world, is facing a new wave of displacement. It is estimated that by July 2023, an additional 300,000 people will join the already staggering number of 3.8 million internally displaced Somalis . The displacement crisis is a result of ongoing conflict, droughts, and other environmental and political factors that continue to ravage the country.
Abdiah Ali*, 27-year-old, found refuge with her two daughters and two sons in the Hisole IDP settlement located in Horseed, Shabelle Hoose region in southern Somalia.
Prior to leaving her village in Burhakaba District, Abdiah and her family were already struggling with poverty and famine, exacerbated by the ongoing drought. They lost all their livestock, which was their primary source of income and food. When the security situation deteriorated, Abdiah was left with no other option but to flee in search of a better life for her children.
The journey to the settlement was one of the most difficult things that I have ever experienced in life
Abdiah walked for two days, accompanied by donkey carts carrying some of her belongings, while she carried her young child on her back in search of life-saving assistance and protection. When they arrived at the camp, Abdiah managed to build a makeshift shelter using crude materials such as used clothes and paper bags.
We lived in a small makeshift structure, where it was very cold at night and hot during the day. We were always living in fear, because we had no door to close to protect us from danger
Since 2020, Acted, thanks to the support of the European Union, supported the most vulnerable IDPs, by constructing transitional shelters and distributing solar lanterns to provide light at night.
Abdiah has been able to move into a real shelter, with a door and light at night. The family can now enjoy a greater sense of security.
“We are happy and thankful for this support. We are now protected from the sun and cold, and when it rains, we will be sheltered”, said Abdiah.
This project, is part of the Programmatic Partnership, a first of its kind, between Acted and the European Commission, aimed at meeting the immediate needs of vulnerable, forcibly displaced populations both in and out of camps. Through the Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) approach that Acted implements in different IDP sites across Somalia, it ensures equitable access to assistance, protection, and services for IDPs living in displacement sites. Through this project, Acted aims at improving the quality of life and dignity of displaced persons while seeking and advocating for durable solutions
This programmatic partnership is also implemented in nine other countries: Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, and Uganda.
