The Head of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Ambassador Francisco Madeira visited Beledweyne in Somalia on Saturday where he said that the African Union Commission will soon provide relief support amounting to US$87,000 in the form of medical supplies and non-food items.

Beledweyne was devastated by heavy rains and flooding which destroyed houses, crops, roads and displaced thousands of families.

Ambassador Madeira also conveyed a message of solidarity and goodwill from the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Musa Faki.

"The Chairperson of the African Union Commission has instructed me to tell the population of Beledweyne that the African Union is with Hiran, Beledweyne and the whole population at this moment. I had the opportunity to go through the city, and I saw the devastation that the floods have caused." Ambassador Madeira said.

The Head of AMISOM also commended AMISOM Sector 4 personnel for their tireless efforts in distributing relief items as well in conducting search and rescue operations during the humanitarian crisis.

After seeing some of the affected areas, Ambassador Madeira held meetings with the deputy president of Hirshabelle State, Ali Hussein Guudlaawe, the Governor of Hiran region, Ali Mohamed Arale and high-ranking officers from the Somali National Army, where they discussed the humanitarian and security needs of the state.

"I promised vice president Ali Hussein that AMISOM police and the military will continue to work with the Hirshabelle security forces in order for us to protect the population and do the best we can to open the main supply routes towards Fidow and Jowhar, until Mogadishu." Ambassador Madeira said.

Ambassador Madeira was accompanied by AMISOM Force Commander, Lieutenant Gen. Tigabu Yilma, among other senior AMISOM officers for the visit.

Source(s): African Union