Facing Despair: The Plight of Displaced Somalis in Kabaase Camp

MOGADISHU, Somalia (Axadle Times) – In the heart of Somalia, nestled near the town of Doolow, lies the Kabaase camp. Here, thousands of internally displaced Somalis are ensnared in a humanitarian crisis that grows more urgent by the day. Struggling against extreme food shortages and an acute lack of healthcare, the camp’s residents find themselves caught in a web of despair. With aid resources dwindling and security concerns mounting, a sense of hopelessness pervades.

Yarow Isaaq Iman, a 52-year-old who has called the camp home since 2011, captures the sentiment succinctly: “It’s hopeless,” he shares, a look of resignation in his eyes. “Families here are trapped in poverty, with no jobs or essential services to speak of.”

The story of Kabaase is a chapter in a broader, deeply troubling narrative affecting Somalia. The United Nations estimates that over 3.8 million people are displaced within the country, driven from their homes by conflict, insecurity, and relentless drought. In these conditions, community and resilience emerge as both a necessity and a quiet protest against despair.

Another resident, Magaalo Aadan Ali, aged 38, explains how the Federal Government’s recent decision to halt domestic flights to Doolow has exacerbated their plight. This move, amidst political tensions with the Jubaland administration, further isolates these vulnerable communities. “The situation darkened after the U.S. government slashed humanitarian aid, especially from USAID,” she laments. “Young people here are left with no prospects, no income.”

“We are in urgent need of help. It’s not just aid we need; it’s a spark of hope for the future.” – Magaalo Aadan Ali

Consider Ali Ibrahim Ahmed, 43, who sought refuge from the Bakool region in 2016. His voice tinged with frustration, he reveals that he hasn’t received aid in four years. “When U.S. support waned, food shortages became critical,” he shares, recalling a time when aid brought a semblance of relief.

Aid workers and local leaders are consistently voicing rising concerns about malnutrition, particularly among the children. Yarow mentions how hunger has forced many school-age children to abandon their education. “Kids who once went to school now stay home,” he tells us. “They’re simply too hungry to concentrate on learning. There’s no food at all.” This stark reality begs the question, how do we break this cycle of deprivation?

Further complicating matters, the precarious security situation around Doolow looms large. The persistent presence of Al-Shabaab militants in the surrounding areas creates a climate of fear, limiting access and threatening civilian lives. In these conditions, does hope stand a chance?

Yet, hope does strive to survive. Some families are taking the perilous journey across the border into Ethiopia, seeking asylum in camps such as Melkadida. It’s a risk laced with uncertainty, yet it speaks volumes about their desperate quest for safety.

Voices from Kabaase are calling out, both to the Somali government and the international community. The plea is not just for emergency provisions but for long-term strategies that can pave the way for resettlement and recovery. “We don’t just need emergency food,” Magaalo urges, her words underscoring a deeper yearning. “We need lasting solutions—a future worth hoping for.”

Kabaase camp echoes with stories that deserve to be heard, questions that demand answers, and resilience that commands respect. What will it take to turn the tide?