Somalia: Conflict in Luuq District, Jubaland State Flash Update No.1 (as of 23 October 2024)

This Flash Update is prepared by OCHA, in coordination with humanitarian partners and authorities in Somalia and covers the situation in Luuq as of 23 October 2024. The next update will be issued as soon as additional information is available.

HIGHLIGHTS

• At least 30,000 people have been displaced by ongoing clan violence in Luuq district, Jubaland State, and are facing a critical need for food, shelter, water and sanitation and basic health services.
• The security situation remains volatile despite ongoing peace negotiations, and is limiting humanitarian access to people in need of assistance, especially in areas where non-state armed actors are present.
• Partners have started response planning by mapping areas of displacement but are limited by insecurity. One organization is registering displaced people for food and cash assistance, targeting 2,000 families.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Clan violence in Luuq district, Jubaland State, has since July, displaced at least 5,000 families (30,000 people) from their homes, as of 23 October. According to partners on the ground, about half of those displaced have moved to sites just outside Luuq town towards Yurkud and Ceelbon, and the others are within Luuq town and Xero Kowad area, along Doolow road. Partners have identified 28 locations where affected people have been displaced, of which 16 are experiencing repeat displacement. Reportedly, an estimated 900 families (5,400 people) have been re-displaced from Neebsoy and Bashiro areas to Yurkud and Ceelbon.

On 20 October, clashes left six people dead, bringing to nine the total number of deaths since July when the violence started. Across the district, the security situation remains volatile despite ongoing peace negotiations led by the authorities and traditional elders. This is impacting humanitarian access especially in areas where non-state armed actors are present. Many of the displaced families lack access to essential services, and education has been disrupted for many children.