URGENT APPEAL

Fresh Fighting in Mogadishu Causes an Exodus Again

Civilians Flee Mogadishu- June 5, 2009 . Courtesy AP/Abdi Farah

  As fresh fighting rages on and the death toll mounts in Mogadishu , Somalia , civilians flee again. Over 170,000 civilians have fled the capital since the start of the current fighting. Thousands are camping out in the open, braving the elements with no food or water. Access to these victims by United Nations and other agencies has been hampered by lack of security. This has created the worst refugee crisis in the world, according to the UNHCR.

  Dr. Hawo Abdi and her staff at the community hospital in Afgoi have been overwhelmed by the flood of new refugees from Mogadishu . They are in desperate need of relief supplies such as food, water, and tents in order to assist as many refugees as possible. Amoud Foundation held a fundraising event for this cause in Irving, Texas, on June 12, 2009. The funds collected have been sent immediately, but it is not enough as the need is so great and so pervasive. We call upon the world community to respond and participate in this call for help. Donations are being accepted at www.amoudfoundation.com . Please specify that the donation is for the Mogadishu Relief Effort.