The drought has severely affected most of central Somalia. The most affected are the pastoralists who live the areas surrounding major towns such as Guri-el, El-dher, El-bur, Abudwaak, Adaado, Balanbal,and provincial headquarter of Gal-gaduud Province Dhuusmareb.

The drastic situation has been exacerbated by arrival the displaced people from the surrounding areas and other parts of country with their animals, making the meager remaining resources even more scarce.

This happening in the eyes of the international community despite the willingness of the administration to work with anyone who can provide assistance. Most of this area is controlled by a moderate Islamist Group known as Ahlu Suna Waljama, who request assistance, unlike areas controlled by Al Shabaab. When Somalia Report visited the IDP Camps, their dire need of food, water, and shelter was clearly evident.

Drought has displaced tens of thousands of Somalis, according to the UN. Their latest report can be read here.

More than 32% of the population is affected by drought, according to the Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit. Their full report can be read here.

Recently there were complaints from the people in the internally displaced camps (IDP) in and around Guri-el town, Galgadud region who fled their homes due to drought and war. To find out more than about their conditions, Somalia Report visited the camps and interviewed some of people especially women including Fatima Abtidon Muhammad and Hadsan Mohammed abdi.

How the situation of life in particular camp?

My name is Fatuma Abtidon Muhumad and I am the occupant of Damao camp. Really life in this camp is extremely difficult and we always concerned about about life in this place it gets worse by the day.

Can you precisely tell me what you complaints are?

Our main complaints are that aid organization are not bringing enough supplies of food. The little they send are misappropriated by landlord who is also the head of the camps. When we try to complain to authorities against our landlords they threaten us to throw us out out of the camps.

Where did the most of the people in this camps come from originally?

My name is Hadsan Muhamud Abdi. Most of the people here all lost their animals to drought while the rest are people displaced by the war in other areas of the country.

Is there any request that would like make?

Yes, we request any form of help especially things such water, food and shelter which are the basic needs.

Recently Somalia Report paid a visit to the markets of Guri-el district in Gal-Gadud region to see how businesses were doing as a result of the drought. Overall, the traders agreed that prices were increasing on all goods.

A meat trader, Hawa Ali Cigaal, said there was “a sharp rise in the price of meat due to the sky rocketing of the prices of animal caused by the severe drought that most of Somalia is experiencing.” There was also an increase in the price of fruits and vegetables which are mainly grown in Lower Shabelle, Middle Shabelle and Hiran regions. The goods are typically brought to Bosaso before they are distributed to other areas, also increasing the cost due to transportation. Somalia Report also talked to one of local tailors who said that although his clientele has increased “more than any other time in the past, but the prices have also gone up.”

Guri-el district is surrounded by more than ninety villages which depend on the markets for their daily needs, making it the economic hub of the province.

Ahlu-sunnah waljama (ASWJ) has shut down 7 Koranic schools in Abudwak district, according to the Senior Education Official of Abudwak district, Hassan Abdulahi Mahamud (Omaar), because they do not teach the Koran as required by law of the land. Instead, the schools have been teaching the children hard line ideologies more in line with Al Qaeda teachings.

The children are taught that "anyone who is different from them are non-Muslims, hence making hostile to other people. These Koranic schools are breeding grounds for terrorists and suicide bombers,” said Hassan. Khalid bin Walid school and Al-hudaa were 2 of the 7 schools that were closed. Most of the schools educated boys and girls from the ages of 5-13 years.

Although this school was closed due to the ideology, there are many other Koranic schools in the area considered to be moderate.

Guri-el began a comprehensive sanitation program spearheaded by the local administration to imporove its image as well as living conditions. Second district officer, Ali Bashi Adam Dirie, told Somalia Report that one of the goals of the campaign is to restore the glory of the town especially in the city center.

This program is highly dependent on the volunteer efforts of the local community who could be seen collecting garbage in different areas using wheelbarrows, donkey carts, and lorries. In a positive development, the local community is embracing the program.

Mr Dirie (photo) said at least 100 people will spend one week cleaning up garbage heaps to beautify the city and improve health conditions.