MOGADISHU, (CAJ News) – Somalia stands poised to become the trailblazer for China’s freshly unveiled “Action for a Mine-free Africa” mission.
President Xi Jinping announced this ambitious plan amid much fanfare during his pivotal address at the commencement of the Beijing Summit, part of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
A key milestone for Somalia was marked by discussions between Wang Yu, the Chinese Ambassador, and Abdullahi Sheikh Ismail (Fartaag), Somalia’s Minister of Internal Security.
The purpose is to lend a hand to Somalia in deftly conquering the hazardous specter of landmines while shielding its citizens and their homesteads.
China is set to hand over ¥1 million (roughly $142,000) to the Somali Explosives Management Agency (SEMA), under the vigilant gaze of the Ministry of Internal Security, to give a solid boost to Somalia’s prowess in landmine detection and awareness training.
As Minister Ismail observed, “Given the ticking time bomb that landmines represent in our nation, the ‘Action for a Mine-free Africa’ initiative will hugely enhance our landmine clearance skill set and safeguard our people and their belongings, for which the Somali nation is thankin’ its lucky stars.”
“Somalia is geared up to fortify ties with China to smooth the path for the nation’s voyage toward serenity and rebuilding,” he affirmed. Nestled in the Horn of Africa, Somalia is often associated with relentless strife.
The Al-Shabaab gang is chiefly responsible for these troubles.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
