Mogadishu: fear and hardship

Aid agencies working in Mogadishu no longer display their names nor logos on their cars for fear of violence. And in recent weeks 16 international aid agencies have been expelled from the capital as warfare continues between political factions.

But SOS Children is still there – as a result of our long-term relationship with various communities across the country spanning 26 years. And although conditions are dangerous, our emergency relief workers continue to support families with children most in need.

SOS Children’s opening of a makeshift medical centre in north Mogadishu was in response to demand created by the closure – for security reasons – of the nearby SOS Hospital last October.

Monika witnessed the extent of the hardship faced by local people as they queued outside the temporary medical centre. She sensed that they felt “someone is there for them giving some form of hope”. 

Children smile again

In Badbado Monika found displaced children laughing again.

In her audio, Monika also describes conditions at Badbado, a camp where 30,000 displaced Somalis have sought refuge from the trauma brought about by famine and insecurity. She met with children who are recovering thanks to the psychological support they receive in child-friendly spaces, an initiative led by SOS Children.

Somalia Facts

See a selection of facts about the continuing crisis in Somalia and the work SOS Children is doing in the country.

How you can help

You can make a one-off donation directly to our Emergency Relief Programme in Somalia, or take out a child sponsorship to help us to focus on the long-term welfare of children who have no one to care for them as a result of the famine.