AMISOM troops in Baidoa donate food supplies to needy families

The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops in Baidoa on Saturday 9 January 2016 distributed food supplies to 130 needy families, including Internally Displaced Persons living in the town. The troops from the Ethiopian National Defence Forces are from AMISOM Sector III, which covers the Bay, Bakool and Gedo regions.

The displaced families living in Baidoa town received dry rations including rice, flour, spaghetti, sugar, salt, cooking oil as well as meat, canned fish and an assortment of beverages.

AMISOM Sector III Public Information Officer Lt. Col Fiseha Teklahaimanoti said they decided to share their own supplies, due to the plight of the displaced families.

“After considering the situation of the families who are also our brothers and sisters, the leadership reduced the three-day meal plan to two in order to accommodate the needs of the people fleeing from Al Shabaab. The troops as you know, will continue fighting Al Shabaab, while at the same time contributing to efforts by the government to address the needs of the people,” explained Lt. Col Fiseha.

The Acting President of the Interim South West Administration Mohamed Hassan Fiqi thanked the AMISOM Ethiopian troops for the selfless gesture and continued support to the government and its people.

“We are immensely grateful to this kind gesture by AMISOM ENDF forces, choosing to cut their daily meals to two in order to support needy communities running away from Al Shabaab. We have seen troops fighting the enemy, Al Shabaab, but ENDF have gone the extra mile to support our people,” he said.

ISWA Minister of Information Hassan Abdi Mohamed echoed similar sentiments, thanking the AMISOM Sector Commander Col Yamane Gabre Mikael and the troops for their efforts in support of the communities, in addition to improving the security situation in the region.

AMISOM says the ongoing Operation Jubba Corridor seeks to capture remaining areas under Al Shabaab militants, as efforts continue towards full restoration of peace in Somalia.

AMISOM ENDF also donated agricultural equipment, including 1000 hoes to the farming community in Baidoa, to enhance farming and boost food security.