Mogadishu (UM) – Somali’s president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo re-opened the third Parliamentary session after a long recess yesterday.
In his speech to mark the official opening of the Parliamentary session, president Farmajo highlighted and reiterated his government’s priorities and future aspirations in areas including security, foreign policy, economy and reconciliation.
On the security front the President said that they have prepared well thought out comprehensive security strategy that will ensure a one united fighting force that will take the fight to Al-Shabaab. The President stated that the government has started integrating the national army in order to achieve the goals of defeating the extremist. He stressed that with a united and integrated army Somalia will be able to defeat Al-Shabaab. The president extended the Presidential amnesty to Al-Shabaab members who give up violence and are ready to re-join society.
On Foreign Policy President Farmajo asserted the position taken by his government on the Berbera deal. President Farmajo insisted that any foreign investment that has not passed through the proper channels and delegated government institutions shall be treated as null and void. He called up on any foreign companies or entities that are engaged in illegal deals or dreaming of pursuing them to give it up and respect Somali’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
President Farmajo also committed his government publicly and diplomatically to campaigning and winning the leadership of IGAD through the election of a Somali Executive Secretary. He also mentioned the Somali government’s relentless efforts to re-join COMESA, the regional trading bloc.
On the reconciliation and the member state and federal relations, the President promised there is will be further improvements and quickly.
“Our working relations with member states is going very well and we agreed to work together to achieve a common goal of bringing of our people together. As a result, I and some of the regional leaders witnessed the official joining of Ahlu sunnah and Galmudug. The two sides agreed to share power under one umbrella and unite to fight against extremist. Owing to our warm relationship with federal member states, we have agreed the national security architecture that will ensure integration of the Somali national forces. On financial aspect we will finalize the common taxation and revenue sharing agreement in Baido later this month.”
On economic front, President Farmajo said his government has boosted and accelerated their fight against corruption and mismanagement of public funds. He also showed confidence in the success of the IMF Staff Monitored Program and committed his government to collecting taxes to raise domestic revenue to finance government public service priorities.
The restoration of Somali airspace, the repatriation of Somalis from Libya and the process of the constitutional review was also touched on by the President.
President Farmajo’s speech came at a very critical moment when so many are waiting for his official response to the illegal Berbera deal. This deal continues to generate many debates on social media and can prove to be an obstacle to the amicable solution the President seeks to win back Somaliland.