Hiiraan Online
Tuesday October 24, 2017
Mohamed Abdi Waare was formally inaugurated as Hirshabelle's President.
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somalia's newest regional president, Mohamed Abdi Waare was formally sworn into office on Monday at an inauguration ceremony in Jowhar.
Waare was elected President on September 17 in a snap election after his predecessor Ali Abdullahi Osoble was by a vote of no confidence. He won the election in a landslide over Dahir Abdulle Awale.
In attendance was Prime Minister of Somalia, Hassan Ali Khayre; Minister of the Interior, Abdi Farah Saeed 'Juha'; Puntland President, Abdiweli Ali Gaas; President of Southwest State Sharif Hassan Sh Adam; and Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam 'Madoobe.
The international community was represented by Turkish Ambassador to Somalia Olgan Bekar and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia Michael Keating.
The U.S. Mission to Somalia sent out a congratulatory tweet on Tuesday morning.
"@US2SOMALIA welcomes #Hirshabelle Prez Waare’s inauguration, applauds his commitment to building his state and #Somalia"
Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre opened the ceremony and congratulated Waare and the people of Hirshabelle on the peaceful and successful election.
The inauguration ceremony came against the backdrop of the deadliest terrorist attack in Somalia's history. The tragedy dominated the speeches.
"We have seen what happened to us... we have seen the response... what is left for us (to do)?" asked Waare rhetorically
UN SR-SG, Michael Keating said the response to the attack was "inspiring".
"The response to the attack has been an inspiring demonstration of unity, starting with the bravery of first responders and local people, and embracing civil society, the Benadir and Federal authorities, federal member states, NGOs and business, the diaspora and international partners."