COMMON ANALYSIS
Last update: October 2025
When identifying the part of the country to be considered for IPA, the decision-maker should take into account factors related to individual circumstances, including, inter alia, the applicant’s area of origin, existing ties with the proposed area of relocation, such as previous stay or residence and/or availability of a support network, including the clan affiliation, within the proposed area.
This guidance document looks into the existence of internal protection alternative, specifically in Mogadishu (Benadir region), Garowe (Puntland) and Hargeisa (Somaliland), as the main urban centres in Somalia in relation to the requirements of Article 8 QD/QR. This is without prejudice to the possibility to apply IPA to other places in Somalia.
Given the importance of clan affiliation in Somalia, the specific clan family the applicant belongs to should be considered when assessing a specific part of the country for IPA.
For example, for applicants from the Darood/Harti/Majeerteen/Ise Mahamoud clan family, Garowe may be particularly relevant to assess. Hargeisa may be particularly relevant to assess for applicants originating from Somaliland and/or belonging to Isaaq clan family. Mogadishu may be particularly relevant for applicants from the Hawiye clan family, however being not as segregated by clans as other areas of Somalia it may also be considered for IPA for applicants belonging to other clans.
For more details on the demographic composition of these cities, see Country Focus 2025, 2.1.1., 2.2.1., 2.3.1.
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