Ahmed Ibrahim is director of SOS Children's Villages Somalia. He recently returned from Mogadishu, where serious fighting and heavy shelling in late April forced thousands of people to flee the city. We asked him about his visit.

What is the mood in the SOS Children's Village?

It is not so bad and everyone has a hope that such a big war will not take place again. However, the sound of bullets and explosions are daily heard around the project and this shows everyone that the insecurity is still on.

How did the mothers and children adapt to the crisis when heavy fighting forced them to temporarily leave the village?

Each adapted in their own way. Some spent time in difficult conditions whereas others went to more comfortable homes. They each have a story to tell. They are so happy to be back in the village again. Until now families are busy cleaning and setting up their houses and bringing everything back to normal. They also share their experiences and how they felt outside of SOS.

Has the SOS Hermann Gmeiner School reopened yet?

Yes, it is open and the Kenyan teachers have also reported back to their duties. Ninety per cent of students are now attending their classes.

What is the feeling in Mogadishu? Do people feel safe? Are they worried about the future?

The feeling of Mogadishu is a mixture of hope and despair. People feel safe because the big war has ended and the government is in control of Mogadishu. But still killing and looting of properties are taking place on a daily basis. Thus, people may feel insecure again. People are now coming back to their homes. I think it is not that they feel safe in Mogadishu but they had a lot of problems and difficulties being refugees somewhere else i.e. lack of food, shelter (it is now rainy season), clean water etc.... Yes, people are worried about the future. They feel that the use of force will not bring any solution to Somalia and it seems that parties in the war are not intending to sit down and agree in a peaceful way.

How are the women and children coping? Do they suffer more than men?

Women and children have travelled hundreds of miles to find sanctuary from the worst violence in 16 years in Mogadishu. They are suffering from trauma and poor health and some of them live in overcrowded houses since they have lost their houses in the war. Of course, they suffer more than men, they have travelled miles and miles and hundreds of children lost their families. Those who were unable to flee have been victims of indiscriminate shooting and shelling. Displacement is also forcing women to search for food, water and shelter forcing them to leave their children unattended.

Is there any reconstruction going on?

Yes, only for those who can meet the expenses of construction.

What are Somali youth doing?

Fighting also destroyed schools, colleges and universities, thus many youth are unable to continue their education and they hang around doing nothing.

How is the SOS Hospital coping (it was shelled during the fighting and temporarily closed)?

It has reopened and is fully operational at the moment.

What is the feeling towards SOS Children's Villages in general?

It is as usual. People feel SOS is unique and always helpful for them even in the most difficult times.