Government must keep its promise on Dadaab

Escalation of the conflict in Somalia has led to an increase in the number of refugees streaming across the ‘closed’ border to 7,000 people a month. Most have no choice but to squeeze into three "chronically overcrowded" camps, leading to a growing humanitarian crisis. Inaction by Government and donors is not an option.

In February, the Government promised to provide more land for the mushrooming Somali refugee population. But it has yet to make any land available. Opposition from local leaders such as Lagdera MP Farah Maalim is one issue: They say that refugees are destroying the environment and that aid agencies have neglected locals.

Given that there are significant efforts at resource management and at provision of healthcare, water and sanitation for the refugees and local communities, these arguments are not entirely true.

Expansion of Ifo

There are legitimate reasons to fear an expansion of Ifo, Hagadera and Dagahaley. But only if enlarged camps become a perm-anent feature and the population continues growing past the all-time high of 275,000 people.

The problems feared will not be avoided by denying refugees adequate land. This will only create new ones. Government should fulfill the promise made by Prime Minister Raila Odinga to provide more land and ensure donors address concerns raised by locals about resources. While they are well within their rights to oppose measures that are detrimental to them, it is beyond the pale to ask to profit or gain advantage from a humanitarian crisis.

 

 

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