PSYOP supported several operations conducted by Non-Governmental Organizations or NGOs. This leaflet supported an NGO program in the Baidoa area which informed residents of a plan to exhume bodies buried along the primary source of drinking water.
TRANSLATION
FRONT
"Moving the bodies of these deceased Somalis
TEXT ON BACK
while respecting Somali religious traditions
is a necessity to help make the water .""Over the past several years, the civil war and factional fighting combined with banditry and looting caused many Somalis to die from starvation all over Somalia. In the SHIIKH ASHAROW ravine area, many of those who died were buriednear the bank of the ravine. This has the potential to pose a very hazardous health risk to those who use the ravines water for drinking and washing. Under the strict guidelines set by your elders, the buried will be moved with proper religious respect and traditions to another location. The Somali people themselves will work on this task and hopefully be able to remove all the bodies before the rainy season washes them into the water system. This operation will prevent disease from spreading and will be supported by relief agencies. Until the bodies have been removed from the bank near the ravine, and the water is safe to drink, do not drink water from the ravine or other surface water; only drink water from wells; clean all water containers before using wells. To prevent diseases, boil water for 5 - 10 minutes before using."