On Monday, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres asked militia to embrace ceasefire while giving their countries time to battle the deadly Coronavirus pandemic.
Globally, the pandemic threatens to decimate economies, destroy healthcare systems, cripple transportation of goods and people, and limit daily activities.
Britain and South Africa announced curfews to help fight the spread of COVID-19.
During his video press conference on Monday, Guterres said, “We now need to put all armed conflicts on lockdown and face the biggest war of our lives against Coronavirus.”
Many African countries, including Somalia and its Horn of Africa neighbors, are embroiled in decade-long conflicts.
In Somalia, Al-Shabaab, which is linked to the Middle East’s Al-Qaeda, has brought violence into the country. Somalia has not enjoyed much peace.
West African countries have battled against the menace of Boko Haram for years. Despite the growing COVID-19 outbreak, extremist groups show no sign of slowing down their activities.