The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk denounced on Monday the increase in civilian victims of violence in Somalia, resulting in particular from the activities of the jihadist group Shebab. At least 613 civilians have been killed and 948 injured so far in 2022, according to the latest UN figures, the highest toll since 2017 and an increase of more than 30% compared to 2021.
According to the UN, most of the casualties – 315 killed and 686 injured – were caused by improvised explosive devices, of which at least 94% were attributed to the Al-Qaeda-linked Shebab movement.
stop shot
Other casualties were attributed to state security forces, clan militias and other unidentified actors. ” This year marked a sharp halt to a general decline in deaths and injuries documented since 2017 said Volker Türk, who officially took office as High Commissioner for Human Rights on October 17.
” I am deeply concerned that more Somalis continue to lose their lives on a daily basis “, he added in a press release.
” All parties to the conflict must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and ensure that civilians are protected. This also includes armed elements engaged alongside the government in the conflict against Al-Shabaab, as well as international forces. “, he added.
The shebab thorn
On October 29, a double car bomb attack killed at least 116 and injured more than 300 in Mogadishu, according to Somali authorities. The attack, claimed by Shebab, was the deadliest in five years.
The jihadist group Shebab has been fighting the federal government supported by the international community since 2007. It was driven out of the main cities – including Mogadishu in 2011 – but remains firmly established in large rural areas, especially in the south of the country.
(with AFP)