Protection Cluster Update Funded by: The People o f Japan

Weeklyhttp://www.shabelle.net/article.php?id=4297 Report 14 th April 2012 European Commission IASC •Objective Protection Monitoring Network (PMN) Humanitarian Aid

This update provides information on the protection environment in Somalia, including apparent violations of human rights and international humanitarian law as reported during the last two weeks through the IASC Somalia Protection Cluster monitoring systems. Incidents mentioned in this report are not exhaustive. They are intended to highlight credible reports to inform and prompt programming and advocacy initiatives by the humanitarian community and national authorities.

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Security was a major concern during the reporting period due to ongoing conflict, particularly in South and Central regions. Fighting continued between Al Shabaab and forces supporting the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) on various fronts, including , Banadir, and regions, resulting in an increase in population movement, with 22,000 1 recorded during the reporting period compared to 16,000 movements recorded during the previous reporting period 17- 30 March. The majority of people fled from the district of Lower Shabelle region and the Dayniile district of Banadir region and arrived in various districts of .

Heavy clashes between Al Shabaab and pro-TFG forces also erupted in Hosingo town of Badheede district, Lower Juba region, culminating in pro-TFG forces taking control of the area. Reports indicate that fighting in Hosingo caused at least 70 civilian casualties and at least 1,000 displacements, mainly to the surrounding villages. The majority of those displaced returned to Hosingo following the Al Shabaab retreat from the town. 2

Two terrorist attacks were carried out by Al Shabaab during the reporting period. On 4 April a suicide attack was carried out by a female suicide bomber in the newly reopened National Theatre in Wardhiigleey district of Mogadishu. According to sources, the attack resulted in the death of six civilians and wounded 70 others, including political figures and journalists. 3 This is the second suicide attack carried out in Mogadishu over the past four weeks. On 10 April a bomb exploded in a crowded market in Baidoa, the capital of Bay region, killing at least 12 people and injuring 30 others. 4 Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for both attacks.

On 4 April Al Shabaab forces briefly took control of Ceel Barde district of Bakool region without major resistance by pro-TFG forces. Al Shabaab forces subsequently pulled out of the town after they arrested and executed a number of people, including the District Commissioner of Ceel Barde and the local police commissioner. 5

There was renewed fighting between Somaliland military and militia loyal to the self- proclaimed Khatumo State in the Laas Canood district of Sool region and the Buuhoodle district of Togdheer region. According to sources the fighting resulted in at least 15 people including civilians being killed and 30 others injured. 6

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The ongoing conflict, coupled with the precarious food security situation in Somalia and a poor Gu -rainy season, is likely to continue forcing more families to flee their homes while preventing large numbers of Somali refugees from permanently returning home any time soon.

MOGADISHU (BANADIR)

While reports indicate that business is booming in Mogadishu’s Bakara Market 7, insecurity remains a major concern in the capital. On 4 April a suicide attack rocked the capital when a female suicide bomber detonated her suicide vest during a ceremony in the newly opened National Theatre in Wardhigleey district. Six people were killed, including the Chairman of the Somali Olympic Committee and the Chairman of the Somali Football Federation, and 70 others wounded during the attack, various political and media figures.

Armed clashes continued in Dayniile district of Mogadishu after Al Shabaab militias launched a counter attack against TFG/AMISOM forces around the Dayniile airstrip. An unconfirmed number of civilians were displaced due to the increased fighting in the district. 8

• At least 70 people, including 13 Somali journalists, working for various Somali news networks were wounded when a suicide bomber attacked the National Theatre where a ceremony for the Somali National Television was being held. The injured people were taken to Mogadishu hospitals. 917 journalists have been injured in Somalia this year. (4 April)

• TFG police arrested two men while they were planting an Improvised Explosive Devise (IED) in Baadbaado IDP Camp in .10 (4 April)

• Two gunmen assassinated a businessman in Bakara Market in Hawl Wadag district. The perpetrators fled. The reason behind the killing is unknown. (2 April)

• Two IDPs living in Baadbaado camp were reportedly killed and seven others injured when mortars landed close to the camp after fighting erupted between Al Shabaab militias and TFG/AMISOM forces in Sarkuusta area of Dharkenley district during the night. This is the fourth of such incidents in an IDP camp this month. 11 (3 April)

• A 22 year old member of a local football team and an Al Shabaab defector were reportedly shot and killed by what appeared to be Al Shabaab militias near Bulo Huubey market in . The perpetrators fled. 12 (1 April)

• A man was killed by two armed men in Nasiib Buundo Road area of . The reason for the killing is unknown. (1 April)

SOOL & SANAG

There was renewed heavy fighting in Laas Canood district of Sool region between the Somaliland military and militia loyal to the newly-self-proclaimed Khatumo state. A number of journalists were arrested by Somaliland police for suspected support to Khatumo State.13

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• A journalist working for Universal TV was arrested and detained by the Somaliland police, having been accused of spreading “propaganda” about Khatumo state. This is the eighth journalists to have been arrested in Somaliland this year. 14 (3 April)

• At least 10 people were killed and five others injured when the Somaliland military clashed with Khatumo loyalists in Gambare and Kalabeyrka villages in Laas Canood district, Sool region. An unknown number of people were reportedly arrested by the Somaliland police and sent to Burao prison, in Togdheer region. 15 (2 April)

• A journalist from Buuhoodle working for Royal TV Channel in Laas Canood district of Sool region was reportedly arrested by the Somaliland police for “supporting” Khatumo State. The journalist is awaiting trial in Las Canood prison. 16 (31 March)

NORTH-EAST (, NUGAAL & BARI)

In a public statement, the Puntland President Abdirahman Faroole confirmed that Al Shabaab militants have established a base in Galgala Mountains in Bari region after losing ground in some parts of Southern Somalia.17 This raised fears among civilians that fresh fighting may erupt in Puntland between Al Shabaab fighters and Puntland forces.

HIRAAN & GALGADUUD

Reports indicate that the security and protection situation in Belet Weyne district of Hiraan region has become more unpredictable since Al Shabaab retreated from the district on 31 December. Reports suggest that summary executions, torture, arbitrary arrests and restriction of movement are the main concerns faced daily by the civilian population, particularly targeting alleged male supporters of Al Shabaab.18 As a result, young men are fleeing the town of fear of being taken into custody. Al Shabaab forces continue to attack the pro-government forces and to target civilians they suspect of supporting the TFG. These attacks are often followed by reprisal attacks against civilians by the pro- TFG forces, creating an atmosphere of heightened fear amongst residents of the city.

On 2 April, tensions were renewed between Al Shabaab and Ahlul Sunna Wal-jama’a (ASWJ) in Ceel Buur district of Galgaduud region. The ensuing fighting resulted in an unconfirmed number of displacements and casualties.

• At least ten people including civilians were reportedly killed when intense fighting broke out overnight between ASWJ and Al Shabaab in Qohle village near the town of Ceel Buur, Galgaduud region. 19 (8 April)

• Fighting erupted between TFG and allied forces on the one hand and Al Shabaab in Hawl Wadag town of Belet Weyne town of

3 Hiraan region, resulting in an unconfirmed number of civilian casualties. 20 (6 April)

• A broadcast journalist named Mahad Salad working for Radio Shabelle was assassinated by unidentified gunmen in Hawl Wadag village in Belet Weyne town, Hiraan region. One of the perpetrators was later captured and executed by TFG soldiers following a security operation in the area. 21 This is the second Radio Shabelle journalist to have been attacked over the past three weeks. (5 April)

• A local businessman was shot and killed by Shabelle Valley State (SVS) militias during a security check at the Bundo Weyne Bridge in Belet Weyne district of Hiraan region. 22 (2 April)

LOWER & (SHABELLE HOOSE & DHEXE)

AMISOM/ TFG forces continued their offensive against Al Shabaab forces in of Lower Shabelle region on 31 March, resulting in approximately 14,000 people from Garas- Baley, Lafoole, Ceelasha Biyaha, and Carbiska villages to flee their homes and move mainly to Banadir and Lower Shabelle regions.

• A man was killed in Ceel Cade village, Balcad district of Middle Shabelle region after he attempted to bring assist the members of the family who had been publicly tortured on 8 April (see below). The residents were ordered not to bury the deceased. 23 (9 April)

• Five family members of a TFG soldier were reportedly arrested, harassed and publicly tortured by Al Shabaab militia, in Ceel Cade village, Balcad district of Middle Shabelle region. The report indicates that the victims were denied medical care and residents were warned that they would face similar punishment by the authorities if they tried to assist the victims. 24 (8 April)

• Two minors aged 14 and 17 were injured when a 16 year old child soldier and member of Al Shabaab shot at them after they failed to obey his order to stop playing football in Janaale area of Marka district, Lower Shabelle region. The victims were sent to Merka Hospital for treatment. The perpetrator was later arrested by the Al Shabaab authorities. 25 (3 April)

• The Al Shabaab Administration in Afgooye town, Lower Shabelle region evicted an unconfirmed number of protracted IDP families from former public buildings such as the former guest-house, Dhagahtuur Primary School and Orphanage, apparently to relocate its offices. The IDPs moved to Kuraale, Doonka Weynow, Bocorow and Goodadley villages in the surroundings of Afgooye town.26 (31 March)

BAY, BAKOOL &

Tensions continued in Bay, Bakool and Gedo regions. Heavy fighting erupted between Al Shabaab and TFG, and allied forces, in Bardheere and Faafaxdhuun towns of Gedo region. A 4 deadly explosion rocked Baidoa, the capital of Bay region and resulted in a number of civilian casualties.

Providing humanitarian assistance was a major challenge in northern Xudur district of Bakool region despite the district now being under the control of pro-TFG forces. A report indicates that vehicles transporting basic goods and aid are often stopped by Al Shabaab militia and refused entry into Xudur district as they continue to control surrounding areas of the district.27

• At least three people were killed following clashes between pro- government forces and Al Shabaab in Mudale village, Gedo region. 28 (9 April)

• At least eight people were killed and 30 other wounded when a bomb exploded in a crowded market in Baidoa town, Bay region. Two people were arrested following the incident. 29 (9 April)

• Four civilians, including the District Commissioner, the local police Commissioner, one child and one woman were killed and at least 18 others were injured when Al Shabaab attacked and took control of Ceel Berde district of Bakool region. Al Shabaab forces pulled out of the town several hours later.30 (4 April)

• Three children were killed and their mother injured when heavy fighting erupted between Al Shabaab and pro-government forces in Hosingo village in Badheede district of Lower Juba region. 31 (4 April)

• Two civilians were killed when warplanes struck Al Shabaab positions in the outskirts of El Cadde town, Gedo region.32 (2 April)

• A man working as a tax collector for the TFG in Baidoa market was assassinated by two Al Shabaab members. The perpetrators fled. 33 (1 April)

LOWER & (JUBA HOOSE & DHEXE)

Tensions continued between TFG allied forces and Al Shabaab in Bay and Bakool regions. The recent opening of the main road between Baidoa town and Dollow by the TFG paved the way for Somalis to cross the border to refugee camps in Ethiopia.

With the advance of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) into various location or /settlements in Lower and Middle Juba region, particularly in Badheede and , over 1,500 people moved from Badheede, Kulbiyow, Hosingo, Tabta, Qooqani, Hayo, Afmadow and Kismaayo over the past two weeks due to fear of possible new confrontations.34

• Two minors were caught in cross fire when an Al Shabaab militia fired in the air in an attempt to prevent two families from arguing in Hawatako village in Jamaame district, Lower Juba region. The victims received medical assistance at Kismaayo general hospital. 35 (10 April)

5 • Two children were killed and their mother injured when two Al Shabaab members exchanged fire in Fanole village, Kismaayo, Lower Juba region. The perpetrators were arrested by the Al Shabaab authority. The mother is receiving medical attention.36 (4 April)

• A civilian was reportedly shot dead by checkpoint guards at the main bridge in of Gedo region after he failed to comply with an order to stop.37 (2 April)

1 Reports received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner , 31 March -13 April 2012 2 Reports received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner between 4 and 10 April UNHCR internal report 3 The Guardian, Al-Shabaab shows weakness, not strength in Somalia theatre bombing , 4 April, available at http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/apr/04/al-shabaab-somalia-theatre-bombing?INTCMP=SRCH AllAFrica, 10 Somali Journalists Wounded in Mogadishu's Suicide Attack , 4 April, available at http://allafrica.com/stories/201204041229.html Reuters, Islamist rebels bomb Somali theater, killing six , 4 April available at, http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/04/us-somalia-conflict-idUSBRE8330C220120404 Report received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner , 4 April 2012 4 Associated Press , Blast in south central Somalia kills at least 12 , 10 April, available at http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/blast-in-south-central-somalia-kills-at-least-12-1.3650572 5 Report received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner , 4 April 2012 Report recorded by organization conducting monitoring in Somalia. Source name with-held. 6 Reuters, Somaliland troops and separatists clash, five killed , 1 April, available at, http://af.reuters.com/article/somaliaNews/idAFL6E8F10FB20120401?sp=true RBC Radio, 26 killed in northern region battle, tensions on high , 2 April, available at http://www.raxanreeb.com/2012/04/somalia-26-killed-in-northern-region-battle-tensions-on-high/ 7 Somalia Report , Business Booming in Bakara Market , 10 April, available at http://somaliareport.com/index.php/post/3228/Business_Booming_in_Bakara_Market 8 Reuters Residents fear clashes as Somali rebel row worsens, 1 April, available at, http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/01/us-somalia-conflict-shabaab-idUSBRE83008F20120401 9 Report received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner , 9 April 2012 AllAFrica, 10 Somali Journalists Wounded in Mogadishu's Suicide Attack , 4 April, available at http://allafrica.com/stories/201204041229.html 10 Report received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner , 4 April 2012 11 Report recorded by organization conducting monitoring in Somalia. Source name with-held 12 Report received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner , 2 April 2012 13 Report received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner , 17 March 2012 14 Somalilareport, Somaliland Arrest Journalists In Las-Anod , 3 April, available at http://somaliareport.com/index.php/post/3202/Somaliland_Arrest_Journalists_In_Las-Anod 15 Report received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner , 5 April 2012 RBC Radio, 26 killed in northern region battle, tensions on high , 2 April, available at http://www.raxanreeb.com/2012/04/somalia-26-killed-in-northern-region-battle-tensions-on-high/ 16 Report received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner , 31 March 2012 17 Somalilareport, Al-Shabaab Leader Arrives in Galgala , 10 April, available at http://somaliareport.com/index.php/post/3229/Al-Shabaab_Leader_Arrives_in_Galgala HiraanOnline, Al-Shabaab reported to be concentrating in the Galgala mountains , 3 April, available at , http://www.hiiraan.org/news4/2012/Apr/23618/al_shabaab_reported_to_be_concentrating_in_the_galgala_mount ains.aspx 18 Human Rights Watch, Somalia: Pro-Government Militias Executing Civilians, 29 March, available at http://www.hrw.org/news/2012/03/28/somalia-pro-government-militias-executing-civilians 19 AllAfrica, 10 People Killed in Renewed Fighting in Central Somalia , 8 April, available at , http://allafrica.com/stories/201204080238.html 20 Report received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner , 6 April 2012 21 Report received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner , 6 April 2012 22 Report received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner , 2 April 2012

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23 Report received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner , 10 April 2012 24 Report received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner , 9 April 2012 25 Report received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner , 11 April 2012 26 Report received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner , 1 April 2012 27 Report received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner , 12 April 2012 28 Shabelle Media Network, Deadly Fighting Breaks Out in Gedo region, southern Somalia , 9 April, available at, http://shabelle.net/2012/04/09/deadly-fighting-breaks-out-in-gedo-region-southern-somalia/ 29 Report received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner , 10 April 2012 Associated Press, Blast in south central Somalia kills at least 12 , 10 April, available at http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/blast-in-south-central-somalia-kills-at-least-12-1.3650572 Shabelle Media Network, Blast kills 8, injures 40 in Baidoa town, Bay region , 9 April, available at http://shabelle.net/2012/04/09/blast-kills-8-injures-40-in-baidoa-town-bay-region/ 30 Report received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner , 4 April 2012 31 Report received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner , 4 April 2012 32 Report recorded by organization conducting monitoring in Somalia. Source name with-held 33 Report received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner , 1 April 2012 34 Internal UNHCR report 35 Report received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner , 12 April 2012 36 Report received from IASC Protection Cluster Partner , 4 April 2012 37 Report recorded by organization conducting monitoring in Somalia. Source name with-held

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