Country: Somalia Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Mogadishu, 28 September 2026 – Violent conflict in Baidoa, South West State, continues to affect civilians with serious humanitarian and protection consequences. Recent clashes in August and September have resulted in ongoing insecurity, protection risks, further displacement, and increasingly limited access to basic services. I am particularly concerned about the people facing heightened risk and vulnerabilities. Women, children, older persons and people with disabilities are among those who face additional barriers to safety, assistance and freedom of movement. Repeated displacement further erodes families’ ability to cope and increases their vulnerability. Baidoa is already experiencing protracted and high levels of child malnutrition, which risk being further exacerbated by continued conflict and disruption to essential services. The protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law must be the foremost consideration of all parties. I call on all actors to take all necessary measures toprevent and mitigate harm to civilians, avoid actions that place people at risk, ensure that reports of civilian casualties are promptly and impartially investigated and ensure that civilians can safely access humanitarian assistance and essential services. Schools and other civilian infrastructure must be protected. Hospitals and other medical facilities are protected under international humanitarian law and must be respected and protected. Humanitarian partners remain committed to delivering life-saving assistance to those most at risk and preventing further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Baidoa. I call on all parties to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protecthumanitarian assets intended to benefit affected communities. Humanitarian actors must be granted safe, rapid and unimpeded access to affected communities. End.
Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia Mr. George Conway on the situation in Baidoa.
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