Mogadishu, 6 November 2013-The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has donated 33 boxes of assorted drugs to the Somalia Federal Government as part of its ongoing humanitarian life saving need assistance. The donation follows a meeting between AMISOM and the Chief of Staff of the Somali Presidency on November 4th this year which observed that thousands of people affected by floods in Johwar require medical, food, shelter and logistical assistance. Civilian Chief of Staff, Ambassador Epiphanie Ntamwana Kabushemeye and Force Commander, Lieutenant General Andrew Gutti handed over the donation on behalf of AMISOM to the Federal Government of Somalia at AMISOM Level II Hospital in Mogadishu.

Speaking during the handover ceremony on behalf of the AU Special Representative, Ambassador Epiphanie Ntanmwana Kabushemeye reaffirmed AMISOM’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate of facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the people of Somalia. "We are doing all we can as per the mandate to help our Somali brothers and sisters at this difficult time. The need is great and we stand ready to help in any way we can to ensure that assistance reaches those who need it.” Said ambassador Kabushemeye.

The Chief of Staff of the Office of the President of Somalia, Mr. Thabit Abdi expressed his gratitude and that of the of the Federal Government for the donation. He said; "This is a matter of urgency and we know the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has always stood beside Somalia in terms of security and humanitarian assistance.” He observed that the donation will go a long way in assisting the affected population of Johwar.

This is the second time this year that AMISOM is making such a donation. On April 25th, AMISOM conducted a needs assessment in Johwar and donated drugs to the Governor of Middle Shabelle to assist the neediest.