AMISOM: No soldier from Sierra Leone will deployed to Somalia without stringent screening

The Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, Ambassador Maman S. Sidikou wishes to clarify the case of a soldier who tested positive for the Ebola virus in Sierra Leone.

Ambassador Sidikou learnt with great concern about the case and wishes to assure the Somalia people and the international community that AMISOM had already put measures in place to ensure that no soldier from the Sierra Leonean contingent is deployed to Somalia without stringent screening as they prepare to make their contribution in Somalia.

“We wish to assure the Somali public and the world that AMISOM takes the issue of Ebola extremely serious and as proof of our commitment to protecting the people of Somalia, we halted the deployment of our Sierra Leonean peacekeepers who would have otherwise been in Somalia on July 4. The battalion they were meant to replace has served with honor and distinction but will have to continue doing their duty until the safety of Somalia’s people can be guaranteed,” Ambassador Sidikou said.

AMISOM is closely coordinating with partners including the Federal Government of Somalia on pre-emptive measures in light of the situation. This includes the establishment of an isolation ward at the AMISOM Level II Hospital and the ongoing training of AMISOM medical personnel in Nairobi, Kenya to bolster Ebola preparedness.