HARGEISA (Halbeeg News) – About 7,250 people have been evicted from Las’anod town and surrounding areas, UNHCR confirmed barely a week after Somaliland launched mass expulsion in Sanaag region.
In a statement, UNHCR’s Protection and Return Monitoring Network (PRMN) said some 24 households have also reportedly moved to nearby villages in Buhoodle district.
In Ceerigaabo town, Sanaag region, 75 people have reportedly left for Gaalkacyo and Baidoa towns after authorities issued a notice asking people from southern areas to leave by 21 October, according to mapping done by PRMN.
Over 3,300 displaced people from Las’anod have arrived in Gaalkacyo since 2 October when the forced displacements started, of whom 986 have proceeded to South West State, Hirshabelle and Banadir.
Another 32 families (75 people) arrived in Margaga settlement in the outskirts of Ba’adweyn town, 50km northeast of Gaalkacyo. On 14 October, they were airlifted to Baidoa.
Since 10 October, 561 displaced families (3,366 people) have arrived in Baidoa. The forceful displacement of scores of families from Laas Caanood has raised protection concerns.
The displaced have reported separation of families, child abandonment and loss of property. Protection Cluster partners in Gaalkacyo reported that seven separated minors have now been reunited with their families.
One unaccompanied minor is living with IDPs in Gaalkacyo, according to Puntland authorities.
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