Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Inaugurated as Somalia’s 10th President
GOOBJOOG NEWS – MOGADISHU: Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was inaugurated as the tenth president of Somalia in a colourful ceremony attended by hundreds of people including two neighbouring presidents, two prime ministers and several diplomats.
Mohamud, who was elected on May 15, promised to restore Somalia’s dignity and bring peace and reconciliation to the country. He also pointed out that his government would be held accountable for its actions, and that he will consult with his predecessors on key issues affecting Somalia.
In a speech punctuated by cheers and clapping, the new president also promised to tackle widespread insecurity, corruption, poverty and the severe drought that is devastating the country.
Mohamud added that Somalia will be a friend and partner with any country that does not violate its sovereignty, and will strive for the country’s improved trade relations with the rest of the world.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed congratulated Hassan Sheikh for his election and pledged to continue upholding the existing cooperation between his county and Somalia.
Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, delivered Abel Fattah El-Sisi congratulations and hailed the strategic and historical relations between Somalia and Egypt.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, whose governments’ relations with Somalia sunk to a new low during Farmaajo’s reign, said that Kenya’s development depends on the development of Somalia, as they are two neighboring countries.
“Kenya is a brother you can count on,” said Uhuru Kenyatta, adding that he would open the Somalia-Kenya border.
Djibouti’s leader Ismail Omar Ghuelleh, promised strong support and sincere cooperation for Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s new administration.
Outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo congratulated President Hassan Sheikh and pledged to support him in his endeavors. He also called on all citizens to accord the new president the necessary support he will need in order to steer the country to greater heights
The Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, also congratulated Mohamud and called on the international community to support the new president as he deals with the insurmountable challenges ahead of him.
Mohamud, 66, won the presidency in voting by parliamentarians last month, defeating outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo by 214-110 votes.
