Somalia cancels its army's 60th anniversary following Coronavirus outbreak

MOGADISHU, Somalia - For the first time in as many years, the Somali army will not host the annual anniversary celebrations, authorities said, citing the Coronavirus pandemic as the "factor" behind unprecedented cancellation.

Previously, such functions were graced by heads of state, top military generals, diplomats and battalions of infantry soldiers, who have been defending the country vehemently from the Al-Shabaab militants and other organized militia.

Gen. Yusuf Rageh Odawaa, the Chief of Defense Forces, said the cancellation was "necessary because we cannot afford to have our troops affected simply because we failed to observe simple rules".

Until Saturday, Somalia had recorded 22 positive cases for COVID-19. Of that figure, one person has since succumbed while another one managed to recover, Dr. Fawziya Abikar announced in a statement.

Among the latest infections are three doctors attached to a Turkish-run hospital in Mogadishu and a regional state minister for HirShabelle administration, officials confirmed.

The facility, which is among dozens of infrastructural development projects by the Turkish in Somalia, has since closed down. Only critically injured patients will be attended at the hospital, sources said.

President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, who was set to grace the occasion, chose to address members of SNA from Villa Somalia, where he lauded the team for "sacrifice" and "commitment" to defend the people of Somalia.

He said: "As a government, we're proud of your contributions towards pushing for peace and stability in our country. Our commitment to defeat Al-Shabaab is steady. We thank our partners for always standing with us."

The SNA has formed 60 years ago when Somalia achieved her independence from both the British and Italians. At one point, the military was a strong force in Africa before being reduced to a pale shadow of former self after the ouster of dictator Siad Barre in 1991.

Sometimes in 1977, SNA troops invaded Ethiopia while reclaiming the Ogaden region, but the troops were subdued after over 300,000 Ethiopians joined the war to defend its borders.

Odawaa, 33, who was promoted to the post last year, said "we shall continue protecting our borders from aggressors. As a force, we are also initiating radical changes so that we can meet international standards. I thank you for your patience".

Although the SNA is gradually being prepared by international partners among them AMISOM to take over security responsibilities by next year, there have been concerns about their integrity.

Opposition politicians have accused them of being "misused" by the state to unleash terror on civilians. Some of the regions where they have faced retribution include Gedo in Jubaland and Galmadug.

Besides AMISOM, both Turkey, the US, and Britain are training SNA in a bid to set standards among them. Already, the US-trained Danab and Gorgor which graduates from the Turkish military, have liberated many towns from Al-Shabaab.

Janaale town in Lower Shebelle became recently the latest town to be captured from the militants. During the encounter, the elite troops killed over 140 Al-Shabaab, captured 18 and injured 29 others, SNA Radio reported.

Al-Shabaab militants, who were recently termed as "danger" to East Africa residents, have been executing large scale sporadic attacks. However, they have lost grip in their former central and southern Somalia stronghold, only limiting themselves to remote villages, the UN said.

The US recently said Special Forces will remain in Somalia until 2027. So far, the militants have killed over 4,000 civilians and dozens of security forces. AMISOM is set to completely pull out in 2021, reports indicate.

Coronavirus pandemic has infected over 1.7 million people worldwide. Of that figure, 400,000 have recovered while 102,000 have since succumbed, John Hopkins University data shows.

GAROWE ONLINE