China sent the aid amid a warning issued by the United Nations regarding the real risk of famine among displaced and pastoral populations in Somalia’s drought hit areas.

According to a Xinhua report, Chinese Ambassador to Somalia Fei Shengchao stressed that the donation shows Beijing’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Mogadishu. He went on to say that “China and Somalia have long-standing ties that has withstood the test of time and changes in the region and the international arena.”

The commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency, Mahamud Moallim Abdulle, thanked China for the gesture, and stressed the vitality of the long-term bilateral relationship. “It is not the first time that we have received such donations,” he said in reference to the historic relations of support and solidarity.

The humanitarian crisis in Somalia is spreading rapidly, threatening to starve nearly 50 percent of the country’s population.

Add to this is the unconventional war that pits the government in Mogadishu against the Al-Shabab movement, in an intermittent conflict that reinforces instability and multiplies insecurity among civilians.

On previous occasions, China provided shipments of food aid and vaccines to support the fight against drought and Covid-19.

Both the Chinese and Somali governments have repeatedly stressed the need to foster friendly and cooperative ties based on the principles of mutual respect for the territorial integrity and independence of States.

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