The SSC-Khaatumo, the local governing authority of the Sool region in Somalia, has issued a press release condemning the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) for its alleged misrepresentation and mismanagement of aid delivery in the region.
A press release from the group yesterday states that the SSC-Khaatumo has engaged with UNOCHA and other aid agencies over the past three months, informing them of their regional authority and insisting on their approval for any aid distribution efforts in the area. Despite these communications, the SSC-Khaatumo accuses UNOCHA of violating the “do no harm” principle by delivering aid that “continues to subjugate our people” and conspiring with the Hargeisa regime.
The SSC statement came on the heels of the latest OCHA Flash Update on the Las Anod conflict, and was signed by the SSC’s 33-member council, along with the traditional leadership of the SSC.
The conflict and humanitarian crisis in the Sool region have displaced an estimated 154,000 to 203,000 people since December 2022, with around 100,000 crossing into Ethiopia’s Somali Region. According to aid agencies, the severe drought, disease outbreaks, and limited access to safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, shelter, food, and healthcare have further exacerbated the situation.
The SSC-Khaatumo said it would file a formal complaint against UNOCHA and other aid groups that do not follow their directives. It will inform its communities to be vigilant about those who do not comply with their instructions. The press release urges international development partners to work with trusted partners and obtain approval from SSC-Khaatumo before initiating any aid delivery, assessment, or resource mobilization efforts in the region.
Despite the criticism towards UNOCHA, SSC-Khaatumo acknowledged the support provided by agencies like UNICEF to the region’s communities, noting that the SSC-Khaatumo is ready to help with any effort that meets the needs of their people.
