To aid Somalia in its fight against terrorism, China has donated nearly $5 million worth of military hardware, including vehicles.
The vehicles and equipment were delivered on March 18 during a ceremony at Mogadishu’s port.
Fei Shengchao, the Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, handed over to Somalian Defense Minister Abdikadir Mohamed Nur Jama five water bowsers, five fuel trucks, 20 offroad trucks, five high mobility field ambulances, and 22 metal/mine detectors.
The vehicles and equipment, according to Shengchao, will improve the Somali National Army’s mobility, medical, and logistical support capabilities, save more lives, and contribute to fighting the drought and meeting Somalia’s challenges.
The gesture on Friday, according to Jama, demonstrates the “deep relationship” between China and Somalia.
Additional equipment will be delivered by China, according to Somalia’s military commander, General Odowa Yusuf Rage.
The equipment was delivered to Somalia at the same time that China’s new Special Envoy for Horn of Africa Affairs, Ambassador Xue Bing, paid a visit to the country. President Mohamed Farmaajo and Prime Minister Mohamed Roble were among those he met with.
“Bing presented Somali leaders with the Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa,” according to the Chinese Embassy. “They discussed how to put the outlook into action to help African countries address the triple challenges of security, development, and governance the African way.”