Somalia: SoDMA Slammed for Sending COVID-19 Gear Instead of Medical Aid to Frontline Fighters

MOGADIHU, Somalia - In a bizarre move, the government of Somalia donated COVID-19 suits and goggles to the local fighters, famously known as Macawislay, further showcasing the lack of seriousness in the fight against the Al-Qaeda-affiliated militants within the country.

The Macawislay fighters have been on the frontlines alongside the Somali National Army (SNA), but the government has not been able to distribute necessities such as food and medicine, which are important on the battlefield.

At the Moqokori district, the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SODMA) only managed to bring unwanted COVID-19 kits and fluid solutions, leaving several injured fighters exposed without medicine for use.

An official in the central Somalia town of Moqokori, who spoke in anonymity, says they were waiting medical supplies for the local fighters injured as a result of fighting al-Shabaab, has alleged they have instead received several boxes containing Covid 19 hazmat suits, goggles, vitamin syrup, and couple of dozens of fluid solutions.

He said the supplies were delivered by a senior official with the Somali government’s disaster management agency. There has been no immediate response from SoDMA, which has the mandate to handle such situations across the country.

Mahamud Moalim, the SoDMA Commissioner, had earlier revealed the mission of his team to Moqokori, noting that among the items donated were medical supplies, terming Macawislay fighters as 'heroes' supporting the national army.

Today, my delegation and I arrived in Moqokori town in the Hiiraan region, where I delivered medical supplies to local heroes who are standing firm with the National Army in the battle against terrorists. Sodma is committed to playing its role in the stabilization and liberation," he said.

Macawislay fighters are credited with major victories against Al-Shabaab militants in central and southern regions, where the al-Shabaab militants have been making gains. The government is fighting hard to defeat Al-Shabaab fighters in those regions.

GAROWE ONLINE