The Chinese government has shown solidarity by offering Somalia much-needed humanitarian supplies in response to the disastrous floods that have befallen the country and displaced over 1.7 million people.
On November 22, 2023, Chinese Ambassador to Somalia, Fei Shangchao, handed over the flood relief assistance to Mahamud Moallim, Commissioner of the Somali Calamity Management Agency (SoDMA), a gesture of strength and solidarity with other nations during times of disaster.
Ambassador Shangchao emphasised that the Chinese government has sympathy and international support for the flood-ravaged country since it has seen firsthand how the Somali people are suffering from the devastating floods, which have killed over 50 people and forced over 1.7 million more to flee their homes.
He said that China’s commitment to a community with a shared future for humanity is reflected in the assistance.
“This vision is a fundamental tenet of China’s foreign policy and calls for international cooperation in supporting Somalia’s recovery efforts,” Shangchao stated.
China’s relief aid package includes a million yuan (about 140,000 USD) in cash, and more than 1000 tonnes of emergency food supplies are on their way from China to Somalia, making China the first nation to directly aid Somalia with humanitarian relief after the devastating floods left over 1.7 million people nationwide displaced since early October.
Commissioner Moallim acknowledged China’s kind help on behalf of the Somali people and government, stressing that the funds will be wisely spent to quickly bring relief to those affected by the flooding.
In the face of adversity, China’s swift and substantial support for Somalia during these catastrophic floods echoes a compelling call for international cooperation and empathy.
China’s quick and significant assistance to Somalia amid these devastating floods in the face of hardship echoes a strong plea for global collaboration and empathy.
It also emphasises the need for cooperation among nations, a necessity to work together as a global community to overcome disasters and build a shared future for all of humanity.