Describes the background, cultural habits, and needs of the Somali Bantus (known as Mushunguli) who live in refugee camps around the town of Dadaab, Kenya. A subset of the greater Somali Bantu population, the Mushunguli were considered to be among the most persecuted during the Somali civil war. Prepared by the International Organization for Immigration (IOM) through its Cultural Orientation Africa Project, this report covers: (1) life in Somalia before the war, including social hierarchy, employment, access to education, discrimination and prejudice, military conscription, and the civil war and subsequent escape to Kenya; (2) life in Dadaab, including security and safety problems, opportunities for work and education, and exposure to modern development in the form of electricity, toilets, vehicles, and telephones; (3) general characteristics of the Somali Bantus? main tribes, including languages, religious beliefs, family and social structure, marriage customs, and childrearing practices; (4) physical and mental health, including traditional healing practices and psychological problems ranging from low self-esteem to post-traumatic stress; and (5) other general observations about clothing and ornamentation, hygiene, poverty, and family relationships. Also contains photographs, a short list of terminology used by Somali Bantus, case studies, and a bibliography.
