PICTURES: Union for Peace and Development party launched in Mogadishu

Thousands of party supporters and officials converged today in Mogadishu for the launch of newly formed Union for Peace and Development Party.

The party which was graced by its interim chairman and former president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was unveiled to the public in a colourful function attended by Somalis from all walks of life. Three other political parties took part in the launch.

The Union for Peace and Development brings together over 80 lawmakers from both Houses of Parliament and is so far the single largest bloc in the Federal Parliament. The UPD is a coalition of President Mohamud’s Peace and Development Party (PDP) and Daljir Party.

Union of Peace and Development party chairman Hassan Sheikh Mohamud following proceedings during the launch in Mogadishu. Photo: Goobjoog News

The party announced change of name Tuesday following what it said was conflict of names with another existing party. Initially it had named itself Union for Peace and Democracy but later changed to Union for Peace and Development.