MOGADISHU–The new President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has tested positive for coronavirus.
He returned from the United Arab Emirates on Friday, where he has been on an official visit to strengthen bilateral ties, secure UAE support for emergency drought response and enhance economic and security cooperation between the two countries.
“I would like to inform you that today I tested positive for COVID-19,” said the President in an official communication on Twitter.
“So far, I have no symptoms but I will continue to self-isolate and serve the people of Somalia from home,” said President Hassan.
President Hassan Sheikh on Wednesday met his UAE counterpart Sheekh Maxamed Binu Saayid.
Some members of the President’s delegation have also contracted the virus according to reliable sources.
During the meeting, Mr. Mohamud reemphasized that urgently resolving the drought challenges, including the delivery of international aid to the people of Somalia affected by the drought, is a top priority for the government.
The President asked all Somalis to keep each other safe by following public health advice and guidelines.
The ministry of health of the Federal government of Somalia has recorded 23,439 confirmed Covid-19 cases since the pandemic began.
He becomes the highest Somali leader to contract the disease that has surged in recent weeks.
The region is on high alert, Kenya on Monday reinstated the mandatory mask-wearing in indoor public spaces including public service vehicles and flights to tame the spread of Covid-19.
