The withdrawal of Ethiopian troops in early January 2009 from Mogadishu and many parts of south west Somalia and election of the new Islamist leadership, Sheikh Sharif Ahmed on 31st January 2009 has not brought a conclusion to the conflict in the country. Insecurity remained widespread throughout Somalia.
Despite all these adversaries the year 2009 brought some hope for the SOS children and staff because they moved back to the Village during this year after having been displaced for a year and two months.
The security situation in the Capital Mogadishu and many parts of South Central Somalia continued to worsen as major fighting occurred between Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government forces supported by African Union Troops and the insurgent groups, killing and injuring scores of civilians and displacing thousands of residents. Heavy fighting was reported almost every week during year 2010 occurring between these opposing forces in many parts of the Capital. Sporadic mortar shells, stray bullets, targeted explosions and landmines remained major security concerns in the capital. This complex situation makes life difficult for the majority of the population who are women and children.
At present there are one SOS Children's Village, one SOS Youth Facility, one SOS Kindergarten, one SOS Hermann Gmeiner School, one SOS Vocational Training Centre, one SOS Medical Centre and one SOS Emergency Programme in Somalia.