Somalia's civil war drives families into desperate conditions in refugee camps

DUSMAREB, GALMUDUG, SOMALIA - NOV. 30, 2024: Families fleeing the devastating effects of Somalia’s prolonged civil war are paying the highest price as they seek refuge in makeshift camps across the country. Internal conflicts have deeply scarred the nation, made worse by recurrent droughts and famine, leaving the population in a dire struggle for survival. In displacement camps, the need for basic humanitarian supplies is critical, with living conditions particularly severe for women and children who endure unbearable hardships. Shelters made from branches and scraps fail to protect residents from the scorching heat or sudden, heavy rains, leaving many exposed to harsh weather conditions. Amid these challenges, the camps are a testament to a profound humanitarian crisis. Overwhelmed local aid organizations are urgently calling for international intervention to address the escalating needs of Somalia's displaced population. The country has been plagued by insecurity for years, with the main threats emanating from al-Shabaab and the Daesh/ISIS terror groups. Since 2007, al-Shabaab has been fighting the Somali government and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) -- a multidimensional mission authorized by the African Union and mandated by the UN Security Council. Writing by Muharrem Gecer // Reporting by Bilal Gundogdu, Mohamed Dhaysane (Footage by Bilal Gündoğdu/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)