Mogadishu – Somalia welcomed a significant shipment of flood relief aid from Russia on Thursday, totaling 25,000 tons. The aid, delivered to Mogadishu, was officially handed over to the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) in a ceremony attended by key Somali officials. Present were Ahmed Fiqi, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Abdullahi Abdullahi Ahmed Jama Ilkajir, the Minister of Ports, and Osman Daallo, the Minister of State for Trade, along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and SoDMA. The Russian Ambassador to Somalia and Djibouti, Mikhail Golovanov, represented Russia at the event.
According to Somali National News Agency, this shipment marks Russia’s initial installment of promised aid to Africa, aimed at providing relief to communities ravaged by the recent devastating floods in Somalia. These floods have led to widespread displacement, destruction of homes and infrastructure, and significant disruption to livelihoods.
The Somali government has expressed its deep appreciation for Russia’s support in these challenging times. In addition to this shipment, Russia has committed to further humanitarian assistance to aid Somalia’s recovery efforts.
As Somalia grapples with the aftermath of the floods, the Russian aid comes as a significant contribution towards relief efforts, aiming to reduce the hardships faced by the affected communities.
A 24-year-old woman, Juventa Fredericks, charged with the alleged murder of a 70-year-old man, made her first appearance in Keetmanshoop Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Fredericks was arrested on Tuesday for reportedly stabbing the elderly man, Johannes Rooi, in an altercation.
According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), During the court proceedings, presided over by magistrate Unchen Konjore, Fredericks expressed her intention to seek legal representation through the Directorate of Legal Aid. The case has been postponed to 05 January 2024, allowing time for further police investigation and legal preparations. State representative Marlon Adams opposed bail due to the early stage of the investigation and potential interference with witnesses.
The magistrate informed Fredericks that she can file a formal bail application. For now, she remains in custody at the Keetmanshoop police holding cells until her next court appearance.
The incident occurred in Tseiblaagte residential area, where Rooi accused Fredericks of transferring money from his Nampost account using her grandmother’s cellphone. The argument escalated, leading to Rooi’s stabbing and subsequent death upon arrival at Keetmanshoop State Hospital. The police reported no known relationship between Fredericks and Rooi.