Renewed fighting causes humanitarian concerns

United Nations agencies in Somalia have expressed concern over the humanitarian impact of renewed military conflict in Middle Juba, Lower Shabelle and Bari regions, and called on all Somali leaders to behave responsibly towards innocent civilians. In a statement released in Nairobi on Monday, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Randolph Kent warned that insecurity would cause even greater hardship and displacement following this year’s poor rainy season, limited harvest and lack of access to water. He “reminds all Somali leaders of their commitments to respond to the needs and interest of the Somali people”, the statement said. Kent said the Somali leaders should “remain aware of their obligations under international law to protect civilian populations, as well as to guarantee the safety of the aid agencies, their staff and equipment”. [For more information on the issue of humanitarian access see IRIN interview with Randolph Kent]