By Afrique en ligne
February 17, 2010
UN’s top relief official for Somalia, Mark Bowden, said Monday that civilians appeared to have been targeted by the government forces a nd the Al Shabab militants, fighting for control of capital, Mogadishu.
The UN plans to launch an international appeal Wednesday for funding to help provide key humanitarian needs of some 3.2 million Somalis affected by the fighting.
‘The Humanitarian Coordinator believes that the high number of civilian casual ties and continuing displacement in Mogadishu suggests the indiscriminate and disproportionate use of force against civilians by all parties to the conflict,’ Bowden said.
The UN Resident Humanitarian Coordinator appealed to all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and to minimise risks to civilians.
He said he was ‘gravely concerned’ at the high number of civilian casualties and massive displacement taking place as a result of recent fighting in Mogadishu.
Some 80 Somali civilians have been killed over the past two weeks alone, which has displaced 8,000 people.
‘I am alarmed by the large number of casualties emanating from recent fighting in Mogadishu over the past two weeks. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of conflict and insecurity in the country,’ Bowden said.
The recent fighting has mainly taken place in the northern part of Mogadishu, particularly in the districts of: Heliwa, Yaaqshiid and Wardhiigleey.
This is also where the largest number of people have been displaced, the UN said in a statement.
Some of the worst fighting occurred on 10 February when more than 24 people were killed and 158 people admitted to hospitals with war-related injuries.
According to UN estimates, approximately 8,300 people have been displaced since 1 February.
Some 5,700 have moved out of the city, mainly to the Afgooye Corridor.
There are some 2,400 people who have moved to safer areas within Mogadishu.
