Dadaab protesters at the UN headquarters main gate. UNHCR staffs stranded as flights are suspended. [Photo|the-star.co.ke]

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International staffs working for United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) are stranded in Dadaab following a protest by the local community.

Operations in Dadaab refugee camp remained paralyzed for the seventh day on Thursday following protest by the host community against UNHCR, demanding several issues addressed.

Flights have remained suspended since locals have blocked the airstrip and about 20 international staff have been stranded at the UNHCR Dadaab headquarters.

According to the Daily Nation, a source within the refugee agency said anxiety is high among the staff, with most of them unable to get out of the main office compound adding that gunshots were heard near the compound.

“Nothing is going on, even hygiene is a problem as the people supposed to clean the offices are nowhere to be found,” said the source.

Distribution of food has been delayed due to security concerns and medical services have also been interrupted as most specialists are housed in the Dadaab based headquarters.

Hundreds of residents carrying placards lit bonfires at the main gate of Dadaab-based UNHCR and its agencies’ headquarters protesting over the lack of employment at the Dadaab offices.

The residents who also protested over the recently issued notice of termination of employment for more than 100 youth from the host community said the refugees’ agency should let the locals have their jobs and reduce the number of international staff, who earn more money.