Somali president tests positive for COVID-19

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says he has no symptoms but will continue to self-isolate

By Mohammed Dhaysane

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA) - Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said on Friday he tested positive for coronavirus, but is asymptomatic.

"My fellow citizens, I would like to inform you that today I tested positive for COVID-19," Mohamud, who took office in May after winning the presidential vote for the second time, having previously served from 2012-2017, said on Twitter.

"So far, I have no symptoms but I will continue to self-isolate and serve the people of #Somalia from home. I ask we all keep each other safe by following public health advise and guidelines," he added.

Mohamud made the announcement soon after returning from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he went on a three-day official visit, his first since taking charge.

He met UAE President Mohamed Bin Zayed, who affirmed the country's support for Somalia's development, stability and prosperity.

Somalia has so far registered 26,748 COVID-19 cases and 1,361 related deaths. Only about 10% of its 16 million population is fully vaccinated.

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