Information on whether there are safe areas for the Hawiye in Mogadishu is currently unavailable among the sources consulted by the DIRB

However, according to a report in Africa Confidential of 18 October 1996, Somalia is divided among three Hawiye warlords: "Ali Mahdi Mohamed (who belongs to the Harti Abgal sub-clan of the Abgal clan of the Hawiye clan family), Osman Ali Ato (Rer Hilowle/Saad/Habr Gidir/Hawiye) and Hussein Mohamed Farah Aydeed (Rer Jalaf/Saad/Habr Gidir/Hawiye on his father's side)" (4).

Southern Mogadishu is reportedly controlled by Hussein Aideed while north Mogadishu is allegedly controlled by Ali Mahdi (Reuters 17 Oct. 1996). According to this source, Hussein Aideed, Ali Mahdi and his ally Osman Atto reportedly signed a peace accord by which they plegded to end hostilities, remove roadblocks in the city and allow free movement of people (ibid.). This source further states that the agreement had not immediately changed the situation in Mogadishu as the road blocks remained in effect (ibid.).

A Radio Mogadishu report of 31 October 1996 claims that Aideed's group "bombarded with impunity civilian areas controlled by the United Somali Congress-Somali National Alliance as well as the Makka and Madina districts (south) Mogadishu ."

A UN Situation report on Somali of 9 October 1996 states that "increased kidnapping, looting and general banditry" are wide-spread in Mogadishu. For additional information on the security situation in Mogadishu and surrounding areas, please consult the attached documents.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Africa Confidential [London]. 18 October 1996. Vol. 37, No. 17. "Somalia: Hussein is Not Aydeed."

Radio Mogadishu, Voice of Somali Pacification [in Somali]. 31 oCTOBER 1996. "Pro-Ato Radio Accuses Aydid Militia of Mogadishu Shelling." (BBC Summary 2 Nov. 1996/NEXIS)

Reuters. 17 October 1996. BC Cycle. Mohamed Guled. "Somali Faction Plays Down Peace Deal." (NEXIS)

United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs. 9 October 1996. "Somalia: Humanitrian Situation Report. 1-31 September 1996." HURINet (Internet Mailing List: MAILER@DHA.UNCC.ORG)

Africa Confidential [London]. 18 October 1996. Vol. 37, No. 17. "Somalia: Hussein is Not Aydeed."

Radio Mogadishu, Voice of Somali Pacification [in Somali]. 31 October 1996. "Pro-Ato Radio Accuses Aydid Militia of Mogadishu Shelling." (BBC Summary 2 Nov. 1996/NEXIS)

Reuters. 17 October 1996. BC Cycle. Mohamed Guled. "Somali Faction Plays Down Peace Deal." (NEXIS)

United Nations Department of Humanitarian Affairs. 9 October 1996. "Somalia: Humanitrian Situation Report. 1-31 September 1996." HURINet (Internet Mailing List: MAILER@DHA.UNCC.ORG)