July 7, 2024; Today President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud officially opened the 5th Session of the Federal Parliament of Somalia. In his address, the President lauded the historic deliberations and review to finalize the Constitution as a significant step towards enhancing democratization, the rule of law, and ensuring that our citizens exercise their constitutional rights, including the right to vote and be elected directly.
His Excellency expressed his appreciation for the achievements of the Somali National Army and the People’s Defense Forces (MACWISLEY) in their ongoing efforts to liberate territories from terrorist control. The President reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to continue the fight against terrorism until the country is fully liberated.
The address highlighted Somalia’s recent international successes, including its accession to the East African Community (EAC), the completion of the debt relief process, the lifting of the long-standing arms embargo, and Somalia’s election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2025-2026 term. These accomplishments signify Somalia’s progress in overcoming historical challenges and advancing its position on the global stage.
The President also commended Parliament’s resolution to safeguard the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of our people in the face of unlawful Ethiopian transgression. He reiterated Somalia’s position on protecting its sovereignty and unity while emphasizing that Somalia has not transgressed against Ethiopia. “Ethiopia has never engaged with us in a neighborly manner regarding the illegal MoU. On the contrary, they are teetering around asking others for mediation. Somalia is neither the instigator nor opposed to mediation. The Ethiopian government continues to evade responsibility for its diplomatic misstep, disregarding international norms and laws that civilized nations uphold.”
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Abdikadir Ali Dige
Director of Communications, Office of the President,
Federal Republic of Somalia.
