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Somaliland expresses deep concern over WHO statement on Las’anod conflict

admin — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 17:08:01 +0000

HARGEISA (KAAB TV) – Somaliland says it is deeply disturbed by the recent statement issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the ongoing conflict in Las’anod (Laascaanood).

The statement, released on Saturday, deplored the killing of civilians and the shelling of a hospital in the city.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somaliland released an official statement in reaction to the WHO press release dated July 13.

The WHO’s statement condemned the latest attack on a health facility in Las’anod, which occurred on July 11, 2023. According to the WHO, the attack resulted in the loss of numerous lives and injuries, including health care workers and patients, as well as the destruction of two ambulances.

“WHO extends its sincere condolences to the families of those health care workers who have been killed and injured in this attack. We urge all parties in conflict to respect the neutrality of health care and the obligations of the health community to the duty of care,” said Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.

The ongoing conflict between Somaliland forces and Dhulbahante forces has caused significant unrest in and around Laascaanood, the capital of the Sool region.

Since violence erupted in Las’anod in early February, humanitarian non-governmental organizations have reported a death toll of at least 150 people, with hundreds more sustaining injuries. The situation has also resulted in the displacement of nearly 200,000 individuals.

Somaliland declared its independence from the rest of Somalia in 1992 but has not been yet recognized internationally. However, elders in the Sool region, in which Las’anod is the capital, want to remain part of Somalia.

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WHO condemns attack on health care facility in Laascaanood

admin — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 16:38:05 +0000

CAIRO/MOGADISHU – The World Health Organization (WHO) deplores and condemns the latest attack on a health facility in Las Canood, Somaliland on 11 July 2023. As a result of this attack, dozens of people were killed and injured — including health care workers and patients — and 2 ambulances were destroyed.

Attacks on health care have occurred repeatedly in Las Canood, hampering health service delivery to innocent civilians trapped in an extremely volatile setting. This is the fifth time the facility has been hit since the violence in Las Canood erupted last year.

Attacks on health care deprive people of urgently needed life-saving essential health services, especially in countries torn by conflict that endanger those who provide health care.

“In situations where health care systems are already fragile, attacks on health care have devastating consequences going beyond the loss of lives of health workers and the patients they might have saved. Thousands of people every year will die not because they are direct victims but because the health care facilities become dysfunctional and the environment becomes too dangerous for effective health care to be delivered. I, therefore, appeal to all to protect health care facilities and health workers, and ensure access to health care for everyone irrespective of their involvement in the conflict,” said Dr Mamunur Rahman Malik, WHO Representative for Somalia.

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WHO staff member killed in al-Shabab attack on Mogadishu hotel

admin — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 11:21:08 +0000

MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the tragic death of one of its staff members during a hotel attack in Mogadishu on Friday night, its director has announced on Sunday.

The Director-General of WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed his condolences and condemned the attack, which claimed the lives of at least 15 people and left 30 others injured.

The assailants, belonging to the armed group al-Shabab, conducted a six-hour siege at the Pearl Beach hotel, a popular beachside establishment in Mogadishu.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus took to Twitter to express his grief, stating, “I’m heartbroken that we have lost a WHO staff member in the recent attack in #Mogadishu, #Somalia. My heartfelt condolences to their families and to everyone who lost a loved one. We condemn all attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers.”

I’m heartbroken that we have lost a @WHO staff member in the recent attack in #Mogadishu, #Somalia. My heartfelt condolences to their families and to everyone who lost a loved one.

We condemn all attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers.

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) June 11, 2023

Al-Shabab has taken responsibility for the attack, marking another violent incident following their assault on an African Union base in Bulo Marer last month, where they killed 54 Ugandan peacekeepers.

The assault at the Pearl Beach hotel has raised concerns among local residents about the effectiveness of existing security measures in preventing such attacks.

The people of Mogadishu are now demanding answers regarding the ability of the attackers to bypass heavily fortified security checkpoints and reach Liido Beach.

The Friday night attack underscores the ongoing influence of al-Shabab, despite their expulsion from major urban centers in Somalia. The extremist group continues to pose a threat, maintaining control over vast rural areas and conducting targeted attacks on both security forces and civilian targets, including within the capital city.

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