Baidoa, 31 October 2025 – Visually impaired Saeed Osman Gabow, 39, from Al-Aamin camp in Baidoa, seeks treatment for a persistent medical condition.
Like many others, Saeed visits a Baidoa health facility run by the Ethiopian contingent serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
Every week, the AUSSOM Ethiopia Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) team in Baidoa provides free medical care, serving hundreds of displaced and vulnerable people.
“I cannot afford the cost of medication. I am grateful for the free care,” Saeed remarks.
His 10-year-old son also receives treatment at the free medical camp, an initiative addressing persistent healthcare challenges in the area.
“We conduct this free medical camp for the local community every Wednesday. Today, at least 20 disadvantaged people, mainly children and women, were treated for a range of conditions,” says Major Ahmed Adam, the CIMIC officer.
Amina Ali Abdirahman, 30, arrived with a chronic medical condition and found relief after treatment.
“I was able to receive treatment, and I am grateful to the people who informed me about this medical camp,” says Amina.
Captain Dr. Andualem Mamo, the Baidoa hospital’s general practitioner, stresses: “This medical camp is a lifeline. It enables us to deliver essential care and medication to many people who otherwise couldn’t afford it.”
Beyond Baidoa, Ethiopian troops also conduct medical outreaches in Diinsoor, Bardhere, Qansadhere, Burdhubo, Garbaharey, and Berdale, covering the Bay, Bakool, and Gedo regions of Somalia.
The focus is on vulnerable people, especially women and children, treating conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and skin diseases, highlighting AUSSOM’s commitment to community health.
These medical camps help AUSSOM build trust, foster collaboration, support post-conflict recovery, and advance the mission’s mandate implementation.
“Regular healthcare is out of reach for many. By providing these services, we help people heal, strengthen community relations and support security,” Dr Mamo explains.
The impact of AUSSOM’s medical services is far-reaching. In addition to serving civilians, AUSSOM also support Somali Security Forces (SSF) and government officials.
Beyond medical outreach, AUSSOM troops conduct joint operations with the SSF, liberating areas from Al-Shabaab control.
Brigadier General Teklu Hurisa Janka, Commander of the AUSSOM Ethiopia contingent in Baidoa, says his troops’ priority is degrading Al Shabaab to secure peace and security for residents.
“We also protect key infrastructure, development projects and provide security for the United Nations, humanitarian agencies and international organisations in the region,” he adds.
Local leaders thank AUSSOM for the support
Despite Al-Shabab attacks and the vastness of the operation area, restoring peace and stability remains a priority. Collaboration with the SSF, local authorities, and communities is driving progress.
“We work hand in hand with our South West regional security partners. Our close cooperation allows us to push back the threat of Al-Shabab. This partnership is essential for lasting peace in the region,” adds Brig. Gen. Teklu.
Maj. Mohamed Yariis Adan, Commander of Somali National Army’s 60th Division, praised their partnership with the AUSSOM ENDF contingent.
“Our relationship with the AUSSOM Ethiopian troops is strong. They’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with us, and we’ve made strides in fulfilling our mission to defeat the enemy,” says Maj. Mohamed Yariis Adan.
The South West State Deputy Minister for Internal Security, Mohamed Yussuf, commended AUSSOM troops for their dedication and service toward Somalia’s peace and stability.
“AUSSOM’s presence is transformative. They protect communities and promote local governance and development,” says Yussuf.
Mohamed Issack Ali, Deputy Commissioner for Security and Policing in Baidoa, thanked the AUSSOM ENDF troops for securing the region and caring for its residents. “They are part of our community,” says Ali.
ENDF support extends beyond weekly medical camps to include donations of medical supplies to Bay Regional Hospital, Baidoa’s main public facility.
Major Ahmed Adam, the AUSSOM Ethiopia CIMIC officer, says free healthcare is only one part of a broader support system.
“As AUSSOM troops, we assist the community in many ways. During times of flooding or displacement, we work with humanitarian organisations to distribute food and essential non-food items to those affected,” says Maj Adam.
During emergencies such as floods and droughts, AUSSOM Ethiopia troops deliver aid to affected communities in Bay, Bakool and Gedo regions, demonstrating commitment to a peaceful, stable and secure Somalia.