A COVID-19 scare has forced African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to suspend its Halane Base operations for 30 days.
AMISOM said it was forced into this unprecedented act as a swift response to help the government’s efforts designed to curb the spread of Coronavirus in Somalia.
It issued a statement on Saturday announcing restrictions that will remain in place for the next 30 days.
The Halane Base is a heavily fortified facility that plays hosts to several diplomatic missions. Among these, include the United Nations and United States Embassy.
AMISOM clarified that it regretted the “inconvenience” this decision will cause to the other organizations that rely on the base.
Its statement also said, “We all need to do our part to curtail the spread of COVID-19. To this end, we have enhanced limited access to Halane Base for 30 days.”
The Federal Government of Somalia has already confirmed several positive COVID-19 cases and instituted measures designed to ensure the disease does not spread further in the country.