UN ‘deeply regrets’ forced evictions of residents by Somaliland

GOOBJOOG NEWS|LAS’ANOD: The UN and the humanitarian community has said it “deeply regrets” the forced displacements of more than 1,000 women, children and men who were kicked out of  their homes and businesses in Las’anod by Somaliland authorities.  The body said that the additional forced displacements was a matter of grave concern as it escalated the humanitarian crisis already experienced in most parts of the country. It also said the displaced persons lost their shelter, assets and livelihoods with reports indicating that the people being forcibly displaced from Las’anod have lived there for nearly 20 years.  The UN further noted that the evictees in Galkayo, Mudug Region and Garowe in Nugaal Region are in urgent need of protection and humanitarian assistance with thousands more reportedly on their way from Somaliland.  And in a bid to scale down the crisis, the UN said humanitarian partners in Galkayo and Garowe towns are coordinating a rapid humanitarian assessment to establish the number of affected people, their immediate needs and, in collaboration with the local authorities, to provide temporary shelter for the displaced persons.  The UN further called on humanitarian actors to step forward and lend a helping hand in providing much-needed support and hasten emergency assistance while urging them to also work with local authorities in finding long lasting solutions.