By Myriam Clerge
Impunity Watch Reporter, Eastern and Southern Africa

MOGADISHU, Somalia– Somalia has been in a state of crisis since Ethiopian forces helped Somali government troops oust the Islamic court in December. From that point, Somali has experienced un-relentless violence while the new government battles for stability and control. Thousands of people, both civilians and soldiers, have lost their lives. Just two days ago, at least eight civilians and one policeman were killed in a battle which lasted for hours. The fighting began when roughly 100 Islamic insurgents attacked a police station with grenades and machine guns in southern Mogadishu, ultimately seizing the station. Like in many war-ravaged countries, the civilians suffer most.

Crucial food aid and other humanitarian relief have stalled due to incessant piracy off the coast of Somalia. According to the London-based International Maritime Bureau (IMB), within the first nine months of this year, pirate attacks have jumped to 14%. The IMB has advised all merchants to remain at least 200 nautical miles away from the coast. Pirates are suspected of targeting tourist liners as well as ships with food relief cargo. After the United Nations (UN) ship, the MV Rozen, was hijacked in February during a mission to deliver food to northern Somalia, the World Food Program has deferred to the more costly air delivery. The MV Rozen crew was later released in April.

In some instances the hijacking turned deadly. With the Somali government unable to quell violence within the capital, the coasts are virtually un-policed.

According to the UN around 1.5 million Somalis are in need of food aid and protection. To make matters worse, the UN has suspended food distribution in Mogadishu as of yesterday. The suspension comes after the World Food Program (WFP) said 50 to 60 heavily armed government soldiers stormed the UN compound and detained Idris Osman, the local head of the WFP in charge of feeding thousands of people in the capital. Somali’s Interior Minister Mohamed Mohamoud Guled denies any government operation at the compound and claims the WFP recently distributed food without consulting the government. The WFP along with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon demands the immediate release of Osman. In addition, UN deputy spokeswoman Marie Okabe, asserts that the Somali government’s action violates international law.

For more information please see:

BBC – Somali Aid Stopped after Kidnap – 18 October 2007

Yahoo News (AP) – Somalia Detains U.N. Food Aid Official – 17 October 2007

Yahoo News (AP) – Piracy off Somalia, Nigeria Increases – 16 October 2007

BBC- Somalia’s Pirates are “Thriving” – 16 October 2007