Somalia

The United Nations’ World Food Programme has rejected claims that some of its staff had diverted aid to hardline Somali rebels and called on the United States to free up millions of dollars meant for the Horn of African nation.

WFP spokesperson in Nairobi, Peter Smerdon, points out that, "WFP has concluded an internal investigation and we found no evidence that our staff divert food and there was no evidence that our transporters did the same."

Oxfam has warned that a total failure of the international community to deal effectively with the Somalia crisis and help end the war is resulting in a spiral of human suffering and exodus to neighbouring countries.

The organisation says hundreds of thousands of Somalis who have fled the violence are now trapped in ‘horrifically overcrowded or poorly managed camps’ in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia itself.

More than 20 000 Somalis have fled to Kenya since the start of this year. This is aAccording to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) which warns that refugee camps are “completely overstretched”.

UNHCR spokesperson, Ron Redmond, points out that new arrivals have been registered in north-eastern Kenya's Dadaab camp, which was built for 90 000 people but which now accommodates over 261 000.

Press Release

10 February  2009

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the violent knife attack on Hassan  Bulhan Ali,  Director of Radio Abudwaq station in Central Somalia, who was stabbed five times on Saturday and is in a critical condition.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHRC) says it wants to relocate Somali refugees in Kenya, citing over-crowdedness.

UNHCR deputy commissioner, Craig Johnstone points out that the camp in which the refugees are living hosts more than double the number required.

He says the refugee population has grown rapidly in the past two years despite Kenya closing its border with Somalia two years ago.

Press Release

23 January  2009

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today welcomed the release of Somali journalist, Abdifatah Mohamed Elmi, after 146 days in captivity.

Photojournalist, Abdifatah Mohamed Elmi, was abducted on August 23, 2008 with two foreign journalists, namely Amanda Lindout of Canada and Nigel Brenan of Australia. Elmi's two drivers, Mohad Isse and Marwali were also abducted.