Jowhar, southern Somalia, opened up to international UN staff on Thursday after humanitarian work was disrupted when fighting broke out between the Hawiye sub-clans of Hawadle and Galje'el. UN international aid workers were evacuated, but local staff remained. Humanitarian sources in Jowhar told IRIN that "excellent peace negotiations" between the sub-clans brokered by other Hawiye clans had resolved the conflict. International staff were sent in on Thursday to launch a polio vaccination campaign. Local political sources said Jowhar was "largely pro-government", but anxious to "feel more of a government presence". The main hurdle for the new government in Jowhar is the town's proximity to areas controlled by Muse Sudi Yalahow, one of the more powerful faction leaders opposed to the interim government. Jowhar is 90 km north of Mogadishu, on the main road to the north. The newly elected Jowhar MP has publicly stated that he wants to come to his constituency.
This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions
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