Tuesday November 15, 2022
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud opened the second session of the Somali Parliament, addressing members of both houses of parliament on Tuesday.
President Mohamud focused his speech on the ongoing offensive against al Shabab, drought, climate change, Somalia at peace with itself and the world, reconciliation and reconciliation, and rebuilding the security forces.
"As soon as I took office, I faced two serious situations: Drought that affected more than 7 million people, and the militants that increased attacks on our vulnerable people. Today, our country and people are at a point of no return, where there is no place for failure. We have decided to expedite the fight to flush out the Khawarij. I have found no other way than to defend our honour, Islam, and nation.
He added that the liberation of the entire country was the only way to ensure a peaceful country where the rule of law prevails.
"Our government, without being in office for a long time, achieved that the mobilization of the Somali people has a significant role in liberating the Khawarij throughout the country."
Mohamud commended the parliament's activities in the previous session by completing the elections of the House Speakers, giving confidence to the Prime Minister and his Council of Ministers, and forming parliamentary committees.
He noted the need to find a stable political environment that allows working together to find solutions to the national issues that require political agreements.
President Mohamud stated that his foreign trips to different countries were based on the government's plan to find a foreign policy compatible with Somalia's neighbours and the world.
"I discussed with the leaders of the countries I paid visited about our common interests and the most appropriate way for them to participate in the recovery of the Somali nation and their role in the fight against the al Shabab."
He assured the Somali people that the backbone of the government's policy would welcome everyone willing to support Somali in matters of priority while balancing Somali interests in the world.
"Somalia at the moment needs a friend more than it needs an enemy, he added.
As he continued his speech, the President stated that the impact of the drought has not only affected the people, but it has also caused damage to the country's economy, as livestock and agriculture are the backbones of the economy.
Nearly 7.8 million people in Somalia have been affected by the worst drought experienced by the country in over 40 years. Currently, over 1.1 million people are displaced and, by the end of this year, approximately 6.7 million people across Somalia are expected to face high levels of acute food insecurity.