An Algerian Humanitarian Convoy to Somalia in Ramadan

Al Irshad wa Al Islah charity association is due to conduct a humanitarian operation for famine-stricken Somalia, on which Echorouk is a sponsoring party.

Head of the association, Nasredine Cheklal told Echorouk reporter that such a solidarity operation “is a humanitarian and religious duty ahead of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, reflecting the deep-rooted charity values in the Algerian society known by rushing to help others.”

Somalia is enduring an unprecedented drought and famine killing thousands, and forcing Somalis to flock to the capital Mogadishu, despite renewed fighting between pro-government forces and the militant group al-Shabab. Many of those going to the capital had fled the city months and years earlier to escape the fighting. Yet, the international aids are still far from rescuing the Somalis from this disaster.  

Mr Cheklal specified that the Algerian humanitarian delegation is composed of members of the association and a group of journalists from Echorouk. The delegation is due to reach Kenya via Cairo international airport, and once in Kenya, the activists will purchase food which would be carried by tracks to refugee camps which host 340 thousand Somalis.

“Once there, we will look on entering to Somalia to bring humanitarian aids to people there; and will celebrate Eid al Fitr feast there if we must,” the activist said. 

Mr Cheklal further added that the delegation is due to set up an Algerian humanitarian aid bureau to monitor and coordinate efforts there, adding that the bureau will look at the possibility of digging up wells in order to curb the heavy drinking water shortage.

Head of Al Irshad wa Al Islah mentioned that he meets on Sunday the Ambassador of Kenya to Algiers to discuss the best ways to conduct the aforementioned humanitarian operation.