AU forces step up efforts rescue displaced Somalis amid Coronavirus pandemic

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Troops from the African Union Mission in Somalia [AMISOM] have stepped up in the ongoing fight against Coronavirus pandemic, targeting the displaced persons within the impoverished Horn of Africa nation.

In a tweet on Wednesday, the mission said troops from KM50 will supply water to six IDP camps around the militants base daily, a process that will go on until the pandemic is thwarted within the country.

Currently, there are thousands of internally displaced people in Somalia, some who have stayed within the UN camps for the last three decades, after the end of the deadly civil war.

To ensure the spread of COVID-19 is minimized, the mission added, community elders have been engaged to enhance social distancing, one of the key parameters in the fight against the disease, during the supplying of water.

"AMISOM troops are working with the community elders to ensure that social distancing guidelines, issued as part of the measures to prevent further spread of COVID19 are respected at water collection points," read the statement.

The mission also asked residents to adhere to regulations set by the World Health Organization [WHO] and the Somali government, adding that the measures will help combat the spread of the virus.

"AMISOM reiterates the measures as stipulated by the gov’t of Somalia and the WHO to ensure regular handwashing with soap, avoid touching of eyes, nose, and mouth and practicing social distancing as part of the guidelines for COVID19 prevention," the mission added.

AMISOM is one of the leading partners in the race to stabilize Somalia, a country that has struggled with endless wars and Al-Shabaab menace, leading to unprecedented impasse information of a functional state.

The mission has about 22,000 troops serving in various states within Somalia. Ethiopia, Kenya, Burundi, and Uganda are the biggest contributors to the mission, which relies on international partners for funding.

But their mandate is set to expire in 2021 when the Somali National Army [SNA] will formally assume security assignments in Somalia. Last month, 1000 troops from the mission were withdrawn, officials said.

Somalia is grappling with the coronavirus pandemic, which has so far infected 62 people, mostly within the capital, Mogadishu. Already, authorities have imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the city.

Of that number, five comes from secessionist Somaliland while two others come from semi-autonomous Puntland. Two people have since died. Only one person has recovered, the health department said.

To combat the disease, Somalia has suspended both domestic and international flights indefinitely, halted learning in schools besides banning mass public gatherings and meetings across the country.

Several people are set to be tested after the delivery of medical supplies from Chinese philanthropist Jack Ma and the United Arab Emirates, which would supplement the almost dysfunctional healthcare in the country.

Already, 2 million people have tested positive for COVID-19 worldwide. Of that number, 105,000 have died but in what could give hope to desperate governments, close to 500,000 people have recovered.

GAROWE ONLINE