) United ETHIOPIANations

Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

FIELD TRIP REPORT

Situation of IDPs in Bordode/Mieso, Fafen and Hartishiek Areas of the

By Ahmed Ali Egeh, Senior Field Officer, OCHA Ethiopia

A. Executive Summary

1. IDPs in the Somali region are in need of humanitarian assistance such as food, water, health, Shelter materials and clothing. Recommendations for assistance in order of priority are made in the report.

2. The recent conflict between Oromos and in Bordode/Mieso areas of the Rift Valley has claimed human lives and left some 2,835 families/14,900 people displaced with heavy damages caused to property. Further action that needs to be taken to settle the dispute peacefully is also proposed in the report.

3. Variations in IDP figures have been observed with key stakeholders in the field. The need for reconciling figures at all levels for improved planning and delivery of humanitarian assistance is elaborated for the IDP camps visited during the mission.

4. The IDPs in the areas visited have expressed their interest to return to their villages of origin. The problem of funding with IOM needs to be addressed to find durable solution for the longstanding problem of IDPs in the Somali region.

B. Introduction/Background

5. OCHA Field Officer in was on mission to the Somali region between 14 – 26 March 2004 to assess the situation of IDPs in Fafen, Hartishiek and Bordode/Mieso areas of the Somali region. Fafen and Hartishiek are located in Jijiga zone while Bordode/Mieso are situated in Shinille Zone.

6. The IDPs in Fafen and Hartishiek are drought affected while those in Bordode/Mieso areas are displaced as a result of the recent conflict between Oromo and Somali tribesmen in Bordode and Kora areas of Mieso Wereda. 2

7. In addition to camp visits, discussions were held with local government officials, UN, NGO and ICRC staff in the field, IDP representatives, elders of hosting communities and local defence forces deployed to Bordode for restoring peace and security in the conflict areas. The regional DPPB warehouse in Jijiga was also visited to verify the stock position of food ration earmarked for the IDPs in Fafen, but diverted and off-loaded in Jijiga DPPB warehouse as local drought affected people in Fafen area prevented truck drivers from delivering consignments in Fafen. The food was dispatched from federal DPPC central warehouse in .

8. Regarding the situation of IDPs in Bordode/Mieso, discussions were held with members of the rapid assessment team in Dire Dawa that visited conflict areas in February 2004. The team was drawn from WFP, the Hararge Catholic Secretariat (HCS), SC – USA and local government departments of the Shinille Zone. The report submitted by the rapid assessment mission was also reviewed for information.

9. The Aid Programme Coordination & Monitoring Department of the federal DPPC, the regional DPPB of the Somali region and UNICEF Jijiga were also contacted to expedite deliveries of relief items allocated for IDPs in Bordode/Mieso.

A. Major Findings and Recommendations

Figures on IDPs – need common agreement at all levels

Fafen

10. The IOM office in Jijiga informed OCHA Field Officer that there are some 7,980 IDPs (persons) in Fafen. On the other hand, the federal DPPC and the regional DPPB utilize an estimated figure of 6,000 persons. These figures need to be verified and an agreed figure is established for improved planning and delivery of assistance.

Hartishiek

11. The local administration in Hartishiek reported that there are 4,320 IDPs (persons) presently residing in Hartishiek. This does not include 850 persons whose status has not been determined or recognized/registered as IDPs. IDP representatives informed OCHA Field Officer that the actual number of IDPs excluding the unregistered caseload of 850 persons is 4,700 persons. On the other hand, the federal DPPC and the regional DPPB utilize the figure of 5,140 persons for monthly food allocation and distribution. On its part, the IOM utilizes a figure of 6,780 persons as being the present planning figure that is subject to further verifications. The variations observed in this regard need to be reconciled for improved emergency assistance, planning of organized repatriation and formulation of rehabilitation projects in areas of return.

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Bordode/Mieso

12. The IDPs in Bordode and Mieso areas are Somali tribesmen from , and Ogadeni tribes whose livelihood depended on irrigated farming before the conflict. The groups are displaced from four-peasant associations in Kato, Obensale, Hardim, Goljenno and Kora areas. The cause of the conflict is reported to be dispute on land ownership. In terms of composition, the IDPs in Bordode are Hawiye; Gurgura and Ogadenis while those in Mieso are exclusively Hawiye. The Gurgura speak both Somali and Oromo languages. The IDPs are temporarily sheltered in safe areas on the Somali side of the border with .

13. The situation of IDPs in Bordode/Mieso was first assessed in February 2004 by a joint rapid assessment team mentioned in paragraph (4) above. The mission reported that some 2,300 families have been displaced. Although formal registration has not yet been undertaken, the rapid assessment team recommended that emergency food and non-food items including health services be provided to the IDPs.

14. According to Bordode and Mieso Wereda administration, 41 people were killed from both sides and 198 houses were burned and an unknown number of livestock was looted during the conflict. Regarding figure on displaced persons, Wereda officials in Bordode/Mieso informed OCHA Field Officer that there are some 2,835 families/14.900 persons. The breakdown by IDP shelter is shown in table 1 below:

Table 1 IDP Population in Bordode/Mieso Areas

IDP Camp Families Persons Mieso (Somali part) 315 2,300 Lebiley 1,543 7,715 Gennod 615 3,075 Bordode 362 1,810 Grand Total 2,835 14,900

(Note: Please note that the total number of persons in the above table except for Mieso is estimated by OCHA Field Officer by assuming an average of 5 persons per family. The figures on Mieso were provided by the Wereda Administrator and community elders).

Action Points

• It is suggested that IDP figures in Fafen and Hartishiek be reconciled by IOM Field Office Jijiga and the regional DPPB of the Somali region and agreed figures are establishment for improved planning and delivery of assistance to the IDPs before they are repatriated to their areas of origin.

• The IOM is not yet involved in IDP related activities in Bordode/Mieso areas. It is suggested that a realistic figure be jointly established and agreed to between the federal DPPC, WFP and the regional DPPB of the Somali region. This is necessary, as monthly food requirements are computed on the basis of agreed figure.

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Food – delivery should be commensurate with the requirements

Fafen

15. Food ration dispatched for the IDPs in Fafen for the month of December 2003 and January 2004 comprising 180 MT of wheat grain, 9.5 MT of CSB and 0.8 MT of sugar has been at the custody of the regional DPPB warehouse in Jijiga since January 2004. The consignments were prevented by local drought affected people from being off – loaded in Fafen because of two reasons. First, food ration allocated for local drought affected people was terminated by the federal DPPC since January 2004. The cut in food ration is said to have been made by the federal DPPC on the assumption that local farmers affected by drought might have some harvest that is sufficient for a limited period time. In other words, the local drought affected people have been protesting against deliveries made to IDPs in isolation to their entitlements. Second, the local population want the IDPs to be repatriated to their areas of origin.

16. OCHA Field Officer has discussed with regional government officials in Jijiga the need for resumption of food distribution to the IDPs in Fafen without further delays. Accordingly, decisions were made by the zonal authorities to dispatch December 2003 and January 2004 food ration held in stock in Jijiga for distribution to the IDPs in Fafen in their current location. Ration distribution will continue until the IDPs are repatriated back to their villages of origin under the ongoing IOM pilot project. It was also confirmed with the regional DPPB that food distribution to local drought affected people will be reactivated as planned. It is expected that the resumption of ration distribution to some 3,800 local drought affected persons in Fafen area will have a significant impact on the ongoing efforts in stabilizing the security situation in Fafen area.

Hartishiek

17. Food is being delivered by the federal DPPC albeit, variations observed with figures on IDP population. Complaints from the IDPs on reduced deliveries of food ration can be addressed through harmonization of figures on IDPs.

Bordode/Mieso

18. The regional DPPB and IDP representatives in Bordode/Mieso informed OCHA Field Officer that emergency food has not been dispatched by the federal DPPC since the conflict. However, the HCS and the regional DPPB have shipped 150 and 1,000 cartons of high protein biscuits respectively for distribution to vulnerable groups, mainly children and lactating mothers.

19. Following discussion between OCHA Field Officer and the regional DPPB in Jijiga on the need for urgent delivery of food for the IDPs, the regional government has requested the federal DPPC for food aid for an estimated 2,835 families. In response, the federal DPPC delivered 42.4 MT of wheat grain as opposed to the actual requirements of 306 MT of cereals, CSB and edible oil per month. OCHA Field Officer, Aid Programme Coordination and Monitoring Department of the federal DPPC and the regional DPPB 5 reviewed need for additional food sufficient for the estimated IDP caseload in Bordode/Mieso. Revised requirements are being forwarded by the regional to the federal government’s DPPC for approval. See table 2 below for the volume of food required per month for the IDPs in Bordode/Mieso.

Table 2 - MONTHLY FOOD REQUIREMENTS FOR IDPs in BORDODE/MIESO

IDP Camp Wheat CSB/Pulses Oil Total (Mt) (Mt) (Mt) (Mt) Mieso 34.5 9.2 3.5 47.2 Labiley 115.8 30.9 11.6 158.3 Gennod 46.2 12.3 4.7 63.2 Bordode 27.2 7.3 2.8 37.3 Total 223.7 59.7 22.6 306.0

Action Points

• Allocations and deliveries of monthly food ration for the IDPs in Fafen and Hartishiek be based on agreed figures with improved food basket. It is also suggested that deliveries are made on monthly basis and in time until the IDPs are repatriated to their villages of origin.

• In its letter dated 23 April 2004, the regional DPPB of the Somali region has requested the federal DPPC for food assistance to 2,835 IDP families/14,900 persons at Bordode/Mieso. This figure should be utilized by the federal DPPC as the basis for determining the volume of monthly food requirements for future shipments. Deliveries should also be made in time so that backlogs of entitlements could be avoided as much as possible and requests for retroactive distribution could not be raised by the IDPs until the IDPs return to their villages.

• One outstanding issue that needs to be addressed with regard to food for IDPs in the Somali region is the frequent disruptions made in deliveries of food for the IDPs. The Aid Programme Coordination & Monitoring Department of the federal DPPC should accept the need for allocating monthly food for IDPs as an integral part of relief programme and incorporate food needs of IDPs into monthly allocation plan for drought affected people in the Somali region. It therefore, suggested in the strongest terms possible that continuity in food deliveries to IDPs in the above camps and elsewhere in the region be maintained without interruptions.

Water – urgent need for plastic water containers

Hartishiek

20. Water tankering for IDPs in Hartishiek was suspended by MCDO owing to funding constraints. Following discussions between OCHA Field Officer and the regional DPPB on the need for continued water supply for the IDPs until other alternatives are explored; 6

the Christian Aid has agreed to provide MCDO with funds to resume the water tankering operations in favour of the IDPs and the feeding center in Hartishiek. In the mean time, the possibility of securing free access to the nearby earth dam - Haffir Dam managed by Hope for the Horn will be negotiated to enable IDPs collect water for the reservoir. The regional DPPB will negotiate with HFH through the regional Bureau for Water Resources Development.

Bordode/Mieso

21. The IDPs in Bordode Wereda collect water from a seasonal river that is 5 – 7 KM away from their current settlements. The IDPs need plastic water jerry cans. Based on the recommendations made by the joint rapid assessment mission referred to in paragraph (4) above, the HCS has delivered 100 pieces of plastic jerry cans of 20 litters and 2 units of hug plastic water containers of 5,000 litres each to the Wereda Administration in Bordode for the emergency. UNICEF has also released 2,400 pieces of plastic jerry cans of 10 litres capacity from its stock in Jijiga for onward dispatch to IDPs in Bordode/Mieso areas. However, the combined assistance made to the IDPs is far too short of the actual requirements.

22. In order to improve the problem of water with the IDPs and the local population, the regional Bureau for Water Resources Development has drilled a new borehole near the checkpoint at Bordode. Although the productivity of the borehole has been tested and certified as potential, the technicians deployed for this purpose have returned to Jijiga without finishing the remaining installation works. It was confirmed with local government authorities in Bordode that the required equipment and construction materials are available on site for completion.

23. The reporting OCHA Field Officer and the Head of the regional Bureau for Water Resources Development (RBWRD) of the Somali region have discussed the possibility of re-deploying the technicians back to Bordode to complete the remaining elements of the civil works. The Head of the RBWRD has assured OCHA that the necessary action will be taken through the Shinille based water construction crew as quickly as possible.

Action Points

• The quantity of plastic water jerry cans made available to the IDPs by the HCS and UNICEF is not sufficient. It is recommended that additional units be provided for distribution to the remaining IDP caseload in Bordode/Mieso.

• The construction works of the borehole in Bordode be completed. This is to ensure that the borehole facility is put to a productive operation so that the IDPs and the local communities in the surrounding areas could access to drinking water.

Health – malaria causing serious concern

• The IDP areas in Bordode/Mieso in particular are malaria infested. The problem is complicated by lack of shelter facilities. SC – USA field office in Dire Dawa has allocated Birr 5,000 for the procurement and delivery of 277 pieces of impregnated 7

mosquito nets to Bordode/Mieso. It is estimated that some 5,400 pieces of mosquito nets and medicine are additionally required for distribution at the rate of two pieces per family.

Action Point

• It is suggested that 5,400 pieces of impregnated mosquito nets and medicine be made available for distribution to 2,697 IDP families in Bordode/Mieso.

Shelter Materials – urgent assistance required

24. OCHA Field Officer has noticed the problem of shelter materials and clothing with IDPs in Fafen, Hartishiek and Bordode/Mieso during the mission. The problem will be rather difficult during the current rains. Although the HCS and UNICEF have provided 1.300 pieces of plastic tarpaulins of 4 x 5 meters to Bordode/Mieso, the quantity is not sufficient. The problem of clothing and blankets with children, lactating mothers and the elderly is critical. The possibilities of providing sufficient shelter materials, blankets and clothing need to be considered by the federal/regional governments, humanitarian aid agencies and donors.

Action Point

• The additional requirements of 1,535 pieces of plastic tarpaulin of 4 x 5 meters be made available for IDP in Bordode/Mieso who have not received shelter materials and some 2,600 IDP families in Fafen and Hartishiek (1,200 families in Fafen and 1,400 families in Hartishiek) be also assisted with shelter materials. It is also recommended that sufficient pieces of blankets be provided for the IDPs in the above camps.

Kitchen Utensils – need for urgent supply

25. As mentioned above, the IDPs abandoned their villages spontaneously because of conflict. Most of the families do not have basic cooking facilities. The Hararge Catholic Secretariat has dispatched 100 sets of kitchen utensils. UNICEF has also delivered 1,000 units of utensils for Bordode/Mieso. It is estimated that some 1,750 more sets of kitchen utensils are required for distribution in Bordode/Mieso.

Action Point

• It is suggested that IDP families in Bordode/Mieso who have not received assistance in kitchen utensils be provided with the package on family basis and in line with UNICEF standard.

Reconciliation – ongoing efforts should continue

26. A committee of 10 local elders from parties to the conflict has been established in Bordode for reconciliation purpose. The committee meets under the chairmanship of the commander of the local defence forces. The committee has had two meetings so far in order to define priority areas of action. 8

27. OCHA Field Officer was informed by the local area commander of the defence forces in Bordode that the major preoccupation of the reconciliation committee at present is to draw up an inventory of assets looted from both sides. The assets to be located shall be retrieved through the Committee and returned to their lawful owners.

Action Point

• The ongoing reconciliation effort should not be left to community elders and the defence forces alone. Key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Federal Affairs and the regional governments of Oromia and the Somali region should be involved to complement efforts of community elders and the local defence forces.

DISCLAIMER

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this document do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever of the UN concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The opinions voiced by the author are not necessarily the opinion of the United Nations.

26 April 2004

UN OCHA Tel.: (251) (1) 51-37-25 PO Box 60252 Fax: (251) (1) 51-12-92 Addis Ababa E-mail: [email protected] Ethiopia Web Sites: www.ocha-eth.org www.sas.upenn.edu/African_Studies/eue_web/eue_mnu.htm (archive)