Mogadishu (Dawan Africa) – More than 8,000 people have been displaced from several villages in Afgooye district, located in South West State, due to ongoing clashes between the military and non-state armed groups. The violent confrontations, which erupted in mid-June 2025, have left thousands of civilians in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The displaced families come from several villages, including Sabiid, Caanoole, and Mareerey, and have sought refuge in neighboring areas such as Moori, Idimow, and Afgooye town. Many of the displaced people have been forced to live in makeshift shelters, providing them with minimal protection from the harsh weather conditions. As a result, their access to clean water, food, and sanitation remains severely limited, heightening the risk of disease outbreaks.
Humanitarian organizations are struggling to meet the urgent needs of these displaced individuals, with many communities already under strain from the influx of refugees. Despite efforts from local authorities and aid organizations, challenges such as insecurity and limited resources have hampered the effective delivery of assistance.
The humanitarian situation is exacerbated by the approaching seasonal rains, which are expected to worsen living conditions for the displaced. Local officials and humanitarian groups continue to appeal for increased support to address the critical needs of those affected by the violence.
The situation in Afgooye highlights the broader challenges faced by Somalia's displaced populations, with ongoing conflict and insecurity further hindering efforts to provide timely and adequate assistance to vulnerable communities across the country.
