Saturday May 30, 2020
MOGADISHU (HOL) - Over 100 Somalis who were repatriated by the Federal Government from Saudi Arabia as part of the COVID-19 response Saturday arrived in Mogadishu.
The 132 returnees, most of them women and children landed at Aden Adde Airport in Mogadishu Saturday morning as the government kicked off the evacuation of Somalis from the Gulf nation.
According to the state news agency SONNA, Somalia, in conjunction with the Saudi Arabia government is planning to further repatriate more Somalis noting four more flights are on course in the coming days.
Villa Somalia director of communications Abdinur Mohamed said the two governments were working together to ensure all Somalis who wish to return home get the chance.
“Somalia also appreciates the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia & @KSAMOFA for its pivotal role in facilitating the homecoming of our citizens & the continued partnership & collaboration,” said Mohamed in a tweet. “The safety & well-being of our citizens remains our govt's utmost priority as part of service delivery!”
Saudi Arabia has since recorded over 80,000 COVID-19 cases with close to 500 deaths while Somalia has 1828 cases and 72 deaths.