MOGADISHU (SD) – Mogadishu violence has displaced 60,000 and 100,000 people following an outbreak of violence between rival forces last Sunday, UN said Wednesday.

The displaced people include vulnerable internally displaced persons who had sought refuge in the Somali capital but have again fled to find refuge at the outskirts of the city, according to a statement by UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia.

“Apart from displacing innocent civilians, the initial violence has created uncertainty and fear of disruptions of humanitarian assistance to hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people across the city,” said Mr. Cesar Arroyo, acting Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia.

Mr Arroyo said humanitarian partners are facing insurmountable challenges due to access constraints and insecurity throughout the city.

“Armed conflict is on the rise and disproportionately affects the most vulnerable,” said Mr Arroyo. “Unlike the previous two years, most displacement in Somalia this year is conflict-related. I urge parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and their obligation to protect civilians.”

The statement noted that the conflict-related displacement has escalated in Somalia this year saying since January, an estimated 173,000 people have been displaced: almost two-thirds by conflict.

“This includes 50,000 people who were displaced by violence in 19 villages in Berdale in South West State, and Gaalkacyo in Mudug region and Cabudwaaq in Galgaduud region,” UN said in the statement.