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Clan conflict in Adale, a small town in central Somalia’s Mudug region, has left over 120 families displaced after armed men set fire to their homes and businesses on July 31. The attack destroyed at least 20 houses and shops, forcing families to flee into rural areas where they now struggle to survive without shelter, food, or water.
One of the victims, 55-year-old father of thirteen, Iid Nur Awale, lost both his home and his food shop, which he had operated for eight years. He estimates his losses to be worth around $10,000 because the fire happened just after he had restocked the shop. Iid said his store was the largest in the area and used to bring him a daily profit of about $20, which supported his large family. When the fire broke out, he and his family managed to escape with only their children. They lost everything else. His family now lives under a tree, surviving on small food donations from well-wishers. For a while, they received sugar and flour collected from the nearby town of Wisil, but those supplies quickly ran out. He said he wanted to move his family to Wisil, about 35 kilometers away, but he could not afford the $30 transport cost.
Another resident, 43-year-old mother of nine, Safiyo Hasan Jaama, also lost everything in the fire. Her home, her few remaining possessions, and even her sense of stability were all destroyed. She now lives under a tree with her children, including her nine-month-old baby, exposed to the scorching sun during the day and cold temperatures at night. Safiyo explained that she has no choice but to beg for food from other displaced families, who themselves have very little to share. On a good day, she receives a kilo of food, which is never enough for her large family.
The fire added to the misery she was already facing. Her family had earlier lost 30 goats during the drought that has gripped the region for two years. The only asset she still had was her home, which was also burned down. She has now taken food on credit from local shops, leaving her with debts of $240 for food and $45 for water. She fears that shopkeepers will stop giving her credit soon, leaving her and her children with no options. With her husband too old to work, Safiyo carries the burden of providing for the entire family. She described this as the worst hardship she has ever endured.
The displaced families say that since they fled Adale on July 31, they have not received any support from aid groups or government officials. Their situation grows worse by the day, with little hope of recovery without urgent assistance.
Abdullahi Salad, the governor of Adale, confirmed the extent of the crisis. He said he has already appealed to the Galmudug regional administration and international aid agencies to step in, but no help has arrived yet. He warned that unless aid reaches the families within two weeks, their situation will deteriorate further, with children, women, and the elderly most at risk.
The governor also reminded people that this was not the first time Adale has suffered such devastation. Two years ago, Al-Shabaab fighters attacked the same town, burning homes and destroying property. Families had only just started to recover from that tragedy when this new wave of violence struck, leaving them with no means to rebuild their lives.
For now, the displaced families in Adale are left in the open, depending on whatever little help neighbors and strangers can give them. Many are desperate for food, clean water, and temporary shelters to protect them from the harsh conditions. Their pleas reflect the urgent need for action to prevent a deepening humanitarian disaster in this already vulnerable community.