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Awer in Somalia

The Awer community live along riverine valleys and in associated forests in the area straddling the Kenya-Somalia border. The area is significantly affected by al-Shabaab presence and linked insecurity.  Awer are sometimes referred to as Boni (also a name for parts of the forest area they inhabit), but this is a term that they find pejorative and should be avoided.  They traditionally lived a hunting and gathering lifestyle supplemented at times by agriculture in the area’s fertile river valleys. Whilst some Awer who have left their home area have moved north into south-central parts of Somalia, it appears to have been more common for them to move or flee south and further into Kenya.  As a result of the better access to the community on the Kenyan side of this border, more updated information is available about the Awer living in Kenya, and we suggest that you also consult that entry here. 

Updated November 2024.

 

 

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