THE WIDER CHRONICLE · October 17, 2026
For displaced families on the outskirts of Hargeisa, finding somewhere to live has not brought an end to hardship. An October 14 report by Radio Ergo describes around 500 families at Qasali camp, roughly 20 kilometres east of the city, struggling with hunger, unsafe surroundings and missing basic services.
Municipal authorities moved families there in June. Residents say nearby rubbish and slaughterhouse waste have made daily life difficult, while access to water, healthcare and sanitation remains inadequate. Children have also lost access to schools because their families cannot afford the journey into Hargeisa.
Radio Ergo interviewed women whose illness and distance from the city had reduced their ability to find cleaning and laundry work. Their accounts describe families depending on neighbours and small contributions from relatives. A local doctor linked the unsanitary conditions to the spread of disease.
Municipal officials told the outlet that waste operator Maandeeq was expected to address complaints. The company said authorities had selected the location and declined to discuss residents’ concerns. The report did not include a response from President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro.
A home needs more than a plot of land
The situation raises a practical question for public authorities: what must be in place before a relocation site can offer a decent life? Allocating space is only the beginning. Reliable water, safe waste disposal, toilets, healthcare and access to schools and livelihoods should be treated as part of the same responsibility.
A useful response would start with an urgent assessment involving residents, health workers and the relevant authorities. Clear responsibilities, a timetable for improvements and public updates would make it easier for families to know where to seek help. Assistance should protect dignity and give residents a voice in decisions affecting their homes.
Reporting source: Radio Ergo, October 14, 2026. The final section offers editorial recommendations.