Nugaal (Garowe)

Who lives there

About 656,910 people (IPC, January 2026). Three districts: Garowe (also Puntland's capital), Burtinle, Eyl (EUAA 2026, Nugal). Displaced: drought pastoralists fill camps on Garowe's outskirts such as Jillab; Garowe municipality registered nearly 500 newly displaced families from December 2025 to February 2026 (Radio Ergo, Feb 2026). NRC recorded 14,898 evictions in 2025, and Garowe IDP sites face land-dispute eviction risk (EUAA 2026). Arrivals from Galgaduud and Mudug also go to Nugal (EUAA 2025, Galgaduud).

Work and money

Drought losses: one family lost 300 goats and camels since 2024; another 62 animals. Water bought from bowsers at 30 cents per 20-litre jerrycan, brackish; households get about 10 litres a day. Koranic school $3 a child in the village; Garowe schools charge $10 a child (Radio Ergo). Flour, rice, oil up 30 to 50% (Dec 2025) (AllAfrica). 79% of people in IPC Phase 2 to 4 (EUAA 2026).

Who governs

Puntland State government is seated in Garowe; Nugal regional administration; Garowe municipality, whose executive director Abdalla Mohamed Abdalla says the council cannot meet needs (Radio Ergo). Puntland forces hold the whole region; no al-Shabaab or ISS control shown. ACLED: 20 incidents, 22 deaths April 2025 to March 2026, including police-military clashes in Garowe (EUAA 2026).

What people face now

• Since 2024: four failed rainy seasons; ~500 families arrive Dec 2025 to Feb 2026; no clinic in Jillab camp (Radio Ergo).
• 2025: 14,898 evictions (EUAA 2026).
• May and July 2025: civilian killings in Garowe; a disarmament campaign met resistance from local militias (EUAA 2026).
• Apr 2025: repeated cuts to the communications cable in Burtinle (EUAA 2026).

Top needs

1. Clean, affordable water and food in Garowe camps.
2. Health care for children and elderly in camps (none in Jillab).
3. Income for ex-herders in town.
4. School places at a price families can pay.
5. Secure tenure records to reduce eviction harm.