New African Union chief visits Somalia

By Mohammed Dhaysane

MOGADISHU, Somalia

New African Union (AU) Commission chief discussed the challenges facing Somalia including security and the drought during his visit to that country Saturday.

Mousa Faki Mahamat, who officially assumed his post on Tuesday, met with Somali president and prime minister, and pledged to stand with new Somali government in fighting against al-Shabaab and avert the looming famine.

Somali president and AU chairperson discussed the challenges facing Somalia including security and the drought which hit at least 11 regions, said Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire in a statement after the meeting.

The drought in Somalia caused waterborne diseases such as cholera which killed at least 80 people in Qasahdere, a district in southwestern region of Bay, in the last 3 days, Abdi Aadan, the district commissioner, told Anadolu Agency over the phone.

“The AU Chairperson's visit comes at a time when Somalia --with the support of AMISOM-- has made tremendous progress towards peace and security. He paid tribute to the Somali and AMISOM troops who have lost their lives in pursuit of peace and security in Somalia,'' said African Union Mission in Somalia which also released a statement after the meeting.

Over 22,000 strong forces from African Union are in Somalia fighting against al-Qaeda affiliated group of al-Shabaab since the mission was established in 2007.