MOGADISHU, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Political clashes in Somalia's Southwest State have displaced more than 50,000 people over the past two weeks, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said Wednesday.
The UNHCR said escalating political tensions and confrontations between the Somali government and the Southwest State authorities have significantly increased insecurity in Baidoa city in the state, which hosts international peacekeepers and humanitarian agencies.
"Although large-scale armed clashes did not occur, following the withdrawal of state forces and a largely peaceful takeover, prolonged tension and the fear of imminent fighting triggered pre-emptive mass displacement," the UNHCR said in its latest flash update.
The alert comes after Somali National Army (SNA) troops took control of Baidoa on Monday, prompting the regional leader to resign days after the local administration announced it was cutting ties with the central government. The SNA troops then took full control of the city.
The UNHCR said public services were severely disrupted, with schools, health centers and local businesses temporarily closed, limiting access to essential services and livelihoods.
"Three people were killed and five were injured, including women and children among the casualties. The violence has forced families to flee, exposing them to heightened protection risks," the UN agency said.
It added that displaced populations are now living in overcrowded conditions with inadequate shelter, increasing their exposure to exploitation, abuse and gender-based violence.
According to the UNHCR, many of those displaced have lost access to essential services and livelihoods. "The trauma of the incident, combined with ongoing insecurity and uncertainty, has led to significant psychological distress, particularly among children and other at-risk groups," the agency added. ■
