GOV’T LAST WEEK: President up beat on graft war, PM urges inclusivity in Puntland politics

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Federal Government of Somalia has taken measures to fight corruption and is working on a national plan to restore public trust, president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has said.

In his weekly briefing, the president also called on leaders of Puntland State of Somalia to listen to the wishes of the people, the political class and local traditional elders in order to implement an inclusive political process in the region.

The president also met with Sudanese envoy Ambassador Dafallah Al-Haji Ali where he discussed the need for urgent truce in the country and reiterated Somalia’s stand to support IGAD, African Union and the United Nations’ call to immediately end conflict, and find a peaceful resolution to the existing differences.

Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre held an event in Kaaraan district aimed at raising public confidence in working with the National Security Forces in the fight against the Al-Shabaab militants.

The Prime Minister presented awards to citizens who participated in efforts to restore peace and stability in the capital Mogadishu and prevent planned attacks by the Al-Shabaab.

He also called on Puntland leaders not to politicize development, humanitarian and national interest projects calling for inclusivity and consensual decision in the Puntland political process.

The Prime Minister, while speaking at an event to celebrate the European Union Day, further noted that the Federal Government of Somalia is committed to building effective national institutions that are capable and efficient in service delivery.

The Federal Government of Somalia’s Council of Governors said that the country’s security agencies had succeeded in reducing attacks by the Al-Shabaab Militants by 70% and that security forces recently thwarted a planned attack by the militants targeting the Beerta Nabadda business center in Mogadishu and arrested the suspects.

The ministers also reported that security at Bakara Market in Mogadishu has improved significantly after the Somali Armed Forces succeeded in pushing out the Al-Shabaab militants from the market.

This week, the government also announced that it had repatriated over 200 Somali citizens from Sudan and that the evacuation process is still ongoing at a time when the National Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) warned that several parts of the country are likely to experience flooding due to the ongoing heavy downpour.

SoDMA advised citizens to exercise caution to avoid being affected by the floods as reports emerged that flooding had occurred in parts of BeledWeyne in Hiran region of Hir Shabelle State after river Shabelle broke its banks.

The Ministry of Education, Culture and Higher Education today announced that national high school examinations will be held across the country.

Somali Custodial Corps commander Mahad Abdirahman Adan announced that his forces, supported by local forces have taken over some areas in Haradhere Mudug region which were previously under the control of Al-Shabaab militants.

On his part, Somali National Army Commander General Odawaa Yusuf Rage said the forces killed foreign militants fighting alongside the Al-Shabaab in El-Qaboobe area in Harardere district and arrested others who will assist in investigations.

He added that the National Army arrested Al-Shabaab leaders identified as; Shire Abdi Mohamed, Ali Abgalow and Mohamud Alasow in Ceel Dheer district of Galgudud region.