Wajid, Somalia

Wajid
Wajid
Location in Somalia
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]

See also

References

  1. ^ FSAU (n.d.), 'Somalia: District population and density, 2004 (map)', FSAU Somalia. Retrieved on 9 June 2008.
  2. ^ Action Contre la Faim 2007, 'Anthropometric and retrospective mortality survey, children aged 6 to 59 months, Wajid Town and surroundings, Bakool – Somalia', Action Contre la Faim, December, pp. 8-9. Retrieved on 9 June 2008.
  3. ^ BBC News 2006, 'Ethiopians enter new Somali town', BBC News, 22 July. Retrieved on 9 June 2008.
  4. ^ Press TV 2008, 'Eight killed in Somalia clashes', Press TV, 12 August. Retrieved on 13 August 2008
  5. ^ Hussein, M.O. 2008, 'Confrontation at Wajid district in Bakool region', Somaliweyn, 13 August. Retrieved on 14 August 2008.
  6. ^ Shepherd-Johnson, D. 2006, 'Somalia afflicted by worst drought in decade', UNICEF Newsline, 8 February. Retrieved on 9 June 2008.
  7. ^ FSAU 2008, 'FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION BRIEF: Focus on Early Warning for Deepening Crisis', FSAU Somalia, 22 August. Retrieved on 25 August 2008.

External links