Mogadishu, Somalia — In a significant display of regional solidarity, the Somali National Army Chief, General Odawa Yusuf Rage, on Monday warmly received Tanzania’s Deputy Chief of Defense Forces, General Salum Haji Othman, in the Somali capital, Mogadishu.
The meeting, held amidst heightened security measures, focused on deepening military ties and addressing mutual security challenges. Discussions revolved around counter-terrorism strategies, maritime security, and the enhancement of regional cooperation frameworks in East Africa.
“The visit of General Othman is not just a testament to our strong bilateral relations but also an affirmation of our commitment to peace and stability in the region,” General Rage stated during a joint press conference.
General Othman, for his part, underscored Tanzania’s readiness to support Somalia in its fight against insurgency and in building a robust national defense system. “Our shared history and common threats necessitate that we stand together stronger,” he remarked, highlighting the ongoing efforts in training and capacity building of the Somali forces under various international programs.
The two leaders also delved into the broader implications of their military cooperation, including contributions to peacekeeping missions and the potential for joint military exercises. They acknowledged the role of such collaborations in fostering peace not just within their borders but across the Horn of Africa.
This visit comes at a time when Somalia is making strides towards stabilizing post-conflict areas, with international support playing a crucial role. The discussions today are seen as a step forward in consolidating these efforts, with both nations expressing optimism about the future of their partnership.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue dialogue and to explore further avenues for cooperation, including intelligence sharing and logistical support. The presence of high-ranking military officials from both nations during the talks underscored the strategic importance of this engagement.
As Somalia continues to navigate its path to peace and governance, such international military engagements are pivotal. They not only bolster Somalia’s defense capabilities but also reinforce the regional security architecture, crucial for tackling transnational issues like piracy and terrorism.
Source: allafrica.com
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Tanzania Declares Marburg Outbreak – Africa CDC Mobilizes Immediate Response
Addis Ababa, January 20, 2025</Strong> — Tanzania has declared a Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak after confirming one case and identifying 25 suspected cases in the Kagera Region of Northwestern Tanzania. The Marburg virus, a highly infectious and often fatal disease, is similar to Ebola and is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and monkeys. This outbreak marks the nation’s second encounter with the deadly virus, following the outbreak in Bukoba District of Kagera Region in March 2023, which resulted in nine cases and six deaths.
In response to this urgent threat, the Africa CDC is mobilizing strong support to help Tanzania contain the outbreak. A team of twelve public health experts will be deployed as part of an advance mission in the next 24 hours. The multidisciplinary team includes epidemiologists, risk communication, infection prevention and control (IPC), and laboratory experts to provide on-ground support for surveillance, IPC, diagnostics, and community engagement.
The Director-General of Africa CDC, Dr. Jean Kaseya, has engaged with Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Minister of Health to ensure coordinated efforts and secure political commitment for the response.
“Africa CDC stands firmly with Tanzania in this critical moment. To support the government’s efforts, we are committing US$ 2 million to bolster immediate response measures, including deploying public health experts, strengthening diagnostics, and enhancing case management. Building on Tanzania’s commendable response during the 2023 outbreak, we are confident that swift and decisive action, combined with our support and those of other partners, will bring this outbreak under control,” Dr. Kaseya stated.
Africa CDC has recently supported efforts to enhance the diagnostic and sequencing capacity of public health laboratories in Tanzania. PCR Test kits and genomic sequencing reagents have been dispatched, with additional supplies in the pipeline. To ensure rapid identification and confirmation of cases, the institution will also provide technical assistance to strengthen detection and genome sequencing for better characterization of the pathogen. Additionally, support will be provided to improve case management protocols and enhance the capacity to deliver safe and effective treatment.
Africa CDC is committed to working closely with the Government of Tanzania, regional partners, international organizations, and global stakeholders, including the World Health Organization, to stop the spread of the Marburg virus.
Source: allafrica.com
