In the statement, published[1] by the Global Islamic Media Front (GIMF), a pro-Al-Qaeda media group, Al-Shabab's Office of Politics and Wilaayaat (Provinces) warned the Muslims of Somalia against using the AstraZeneca vaccine, saying "its harms far outweigh its alleged benefits" and that it "does more harm than good and has an array of adverse side effects as illustrated by many health professionals and proven in medical researches around the world."

The statement then claimed that "European nations, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Ireland, and others, have suspended administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine in their respective countries due to safety concerns" and "because of its ineffectiveness and adverse side effects."

After noting that these countries are equipped "with far better medical resources" than the Somali government, the group called on the Muslims of Somalia to "reject the deadly coronavirus vaccine" and "do not allow your children and family members to be used as guinea pigs in the race to develop a potent vaccine for the coronavirus pandemic. Do not allow your family to be used as subjects in experimentation to prove the safety of the AstraZeneca vaccine at a time when countless numbers of people have died and hundreds of others have developed severe adverse reactions, including blood clots, as a result of administration of the vaccine."

The group went on to call on Somalis not to trust the "disbelievers to benefit you in any way" and accused UNICEF and the World Health Organization of "overtly and covertly being involved in exacerbating drought, diseases, and poverty in Somalia and other Muslim lands."

The group then advised Muslims to "adhere to the medications prescribed in the Qur'an and Sunnah of the Prophet such as black seed and honey," offered "its condolences to the Muslims who lost their loved ones as a result of the global pandemic," and stressed that "until a safe and effective vaccine becomes available, the Office of Politics and Wilaayaat urges the Muslims of Somalia to repent and pray to Allah in order to alleviate their suffering and uplift them from the disease."

The group concluded its statement by urging the Muslims of Mogadishu to "stay as far away as possible from the Western crusaders living in Halane military complex and TurkSom military base, as they are the main source of the coronavirus reaching Somalia. Do not approach, interact or socialize with them as doing so will both incur the wrath of Allaah upon them as well as put their health at great risk."

By Dahir Alasow