The Federal Foreign Office has pledged one million euro for relief measures for civilians in need in Somalia.

Over the last few days, heavy fighting between government forces and opposition groups has been reported in this country in the Horn of Africa. According to the United Nations, more than 60,000 people have fled the capital Mogadishu.

Part of the Federal Foreign Office funds will go to an aid project run by the charity Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe and local partners, under which emergency shelters, drinking water and food is being provided for internally displaced persons in the Mogadishu area.

People in need in the Puntland region are receiving assistance under a second project. In cooperation with the German Red Cross, urgently needed medical equipment and bandages are being supplied to the hospitals in Garoowe and Boosaaso.

After almost 20 years of civil war, roughly half of the Somali population is dependent on humanitarian aid. Since 2007 alone, the Federal Government has provided more than 20 million euro for relief measures.

The Federal Foreign Office stands ready to provide further funding if necessary.

Read more on the humanitarian assistance provided by the Federal Foreign Office: