UN braced for mass exodus from Somalia

The UN refugee agency today said it is braced for a mass flight to neighbouring countries by civilians seeking to escape violence in Somalia.

A spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees says the agency is stepping up preparations in Kenya and other East African countries.

Melissa Fleming says UNHCR has received information from local aid groups that 24 people have been killed and 40 injured by fighting in Somalia’s capital since Wednesday.

She told reporters in Geneva that residents have been streaming out of Mogadishu after rumours that pro-government forces are planning a major offensive against rebels.

More than 250,000 people have left the city since last May.