Friday, July 12, 2013
Somali Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon
called on al-Shabaab members to renounce violence during the Muslim holy
month of Ramadan, Somalia's Jowhar reported Wednesday (July 10th).
Returning to Mogadishu from a two-day visit to assess security in
Baidoa, Shirdon reiterated the federal government's policy of amnesty
for youth who give up terrorist activities and surrender to the security
forces.
"Today more than ever, Ramadan brings us together as one country,
united with our brothers and sisters across the Muslim world," he said
in a statement released by his office. "We should use this time to
consider how much stronger we are together, how unity is always more
powerful than division, how together we can build a secure and
successful Somalia from the ashes of war."
African Union Special Representative to Somalia Mahamat Saleh Annadif
also urged Somalis to be compassionate during the holy month, praising
Muslim members of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) for
their service.
"This holy month symbolises humility, sacrifice and above all, an
embodiment of unity among all of us," he said according to press
release. "I call upon all of us to make a difference in the lives of
those we encounter and to ensure that our sacrifice is not in vain."