In Hirsalama village, located in Somalia’s Mudug region, 300 families were forced to flee from ongoing clan conflicts, now gripping the wind-blasted coastal hamlet of Dhinowda, where they grapple with basic survival.
Take Mohamed Abdirahman Osman, for instance. He and his nine-member family trudged for three grueling days to reach Dhinowda, about 45 kilometers from their home. Initially, they had 60 goats, but lost 40 to thirst and hunger during the journey.
Upon arrival, the ordeal worsened. More goats perished due to the severe shortage of water and fodder. In a desperate bid, Mohamed attempts to sustain his remaining livestock, grazing them five kilometers away from where invasive sands havn’t yet swallowed the greenery.
“We face harsh conditions here,” Mohamed lamented. “Locals have pooled food aid for us and sometimes we get shared cooked meals. Without these handouts, we have nothing, and water is a constant struggle.”
The residents of Dhinowda primarily rely on expensive water trucking services. The displaced, meanwhile, trek long distances to access free but tainted well water that, although sour, they must use for drinking and cooking.
Although Mohamed’s family narrowly escaped violent clan disputes, their situation remains tenuous. “Shifting sands from the ocean have buried our wells and homes. Our hut is repaired constantly, only to be wrecked again by the relentless winds,” he shared.
“It’s a day-and-night battle. We dig out sand from our house three or four times in 24 hours. Sometimes, we can’t sleep inside,” he added.
Fadumo Abdikadir, a single mother of six, used to eke out $7-10 daily from her restaurant business in Hirsalama, mainly serving fishermen. Since the clan conflict erupted on July 20, her means to a living in Dhinowda have vanished.
“We get to cook once a day, either morning or night, feeding the kids before they sleep. Food flow is uncertain,” Fadumo said.
She noted that few businesses operate at night due to the absence of electricity, and locals themselves are barely better off than the displaced families, also struggling with food scarcity.
Her family used to live in a two-room house back home. Now, they huddle in a fragile hut buffeted by the wind.
“Water and a sturdy house are critical, right? We’d love to return, but how can we? Our livelihood was back there. Here, we lack water, fodder, even a secure home,” she said.
Fadumo is eager to return to her life and business once peace is restored. Local elders have been engaging in peace talks, according to reports.
Dhinowda’s commissioner, Abukar Mohamud Malin, expressed that they reported the plight of the 300 displaced families to the Mudug regional administration, but have yet to receive feedback.
“We’ve informed the regional authorities but haven’t heard back. These people need aid and must return to their homes. A peaceful solution is crucial,” he stated.
Despite their own tough conditions, Dhinowda’s administration and locals have been providing food aid to the displaced, compounded by the economic challenges arising from encroaching sand drifts.
