President Mohamud addresses firs-of-a-kind town hall meeting in Mogadishu

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressed the first-of-a-kind town hall meeting Monday morning where he fielded questions from journalists and members of the public.

The public engagement saw the president respond to questions on various subjects the running of government, relations with the Federal Member States, the economy and security.

The meeting which was hosted by a former BBC journalist Mohamed Harare came close to one year since President Mohamud was elected into office. The two-time president was elected on May 15 last year.

On the conflict in Las Anod, the president said it was wrong for Somali citizens to be punished for carrying the ‘blue flag’ refereeing to the national flag. Somaliland which has forged a quest for statehood is opposed to people carrying the Somali flag in its territories and contested areas.

“We have a special priority for the people of Lascaon because they are sticking to the blue flag and campaigning for unity. No one can force them to do something they don’t like, but we want their wishes not to spill too much blood,” the president said.

On security, the president said the government was on course to finish the first phase of the war against Al-Shabaab in central regions noting the second phase which is yet to commence will move south to South West state and Jubaland.