Somali Humanitarian Magazine (SHM) has established an Independent Standing Emergency Reporting Committee to monitor and document the ongoing armed clashes in Baidoa, Bay Region, and their humanitarian consequences for civilians.
The committee, appointed by SHM Executive Director Abdullahi Mohamed Haji, consists of three senior humanitarian reporting professionals tasked with monitoring developments, reviewing and verifying available information, and documenting civilian casualties, displacement, protection concerns, and humanitarian needs.
The initiative aims to strengthen independent humanitarian reporting and ensure that reliable, verified information about the evolving situation remains accessible to the public.
SHM Calls for Civilian Protection
Commenting on the initiative, Abdullahi Mohamed Haji urged both sides involved in the clashes to respect international humanitarian law and take all necessary measures to protect civilians.
He also emphasized the importance of allowing independent humanitarian reporting to operate without interference, enabling journalists and humanitarian reporters to document developments responsibly and bring civilian protection concerns to public attention.
“Civilians must be protected, international humanitarian law must be respected, and independent humanitarian reporting must be allowed to document the realities on the ground. Accurate information is essential to understanding the humanitarian consequences of this conflict and strengthening efforts to protect affected communities,” Haji said.
Continuous Emergency Monitoring
The committee will provide ongoing monitoring of the situation in Baidoa, with every verified update published on SHM’s Emergency News page under the official tracking reference SOM-CONFLICT-2026-10.
SHM will distinguish verified information from preliminary reports and analytical projections, maintaining a transparent record of developments as new information becomes available.
Through this initiative, SHM reaffirms its commitment to independent humanitarian journalism, civilian protection, and evidence-based reporting on emergencies affecting communities across Somalia.
Follow verified updates: https://shm.so/emergency
About Somali Humanitarian Magazine (SHM)
Somali Humanitarian Magazine is an independent platform dedicated to humanitarian reporting, research, analysis, and advocacy in Somalia.
About this story
Written by the SHM editorial desk and approved by an SHM editor before publication.