Wajid | |
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Wajid
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Coordinates: | |
Country | Somalia |
Region | Bakool |
District | |
Time zone | East Africa Time (UTC+3) |
Wajid (Italian: Uegit) is a town and district in the Bakool region of Somalia. Wajid town is located approximately 302 kilometres (188 mi) north west of the national capital, Mogadishu, 78 kilometres (48 mi) south west of the district capital, Xuddur, and 69 kilometres (43 mi) south east of the Somalia-Ethiopia border.
In 2004, the population of the district was estimated at 36,995.[1] Wajid district is a rural area with a semi-arid to arid climate. Many of the district's inhabitants derive their livelihood from pastoral activities, such as raising livestock, and agriculture, such as growing sorghum.[2]
In July 2006, Wajid was occupied by Ethiopian forces during the Ethiopian military intervention in Somalia.[3] Wajid has been the scene of clashes between various parties to the ongoing conflict in Somalia. In early August 2008, Wajid town was the scene of armed fighting between Al Shabaab fighters and local armed groups. Al Shabaab is reported to be in control of Wajid town.[4][5]
Since 2006, Wajid has been severely affected by drought and the district currently faces a humanitarian crisis brought about by conflict and a lack of food security.[6] In August 2008 it was reported that malnutrition rates in Wajid were among the highest in Somalia.[7]