President Mohamud Stresses Importance of Migration at Italy-Africa Summit

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ROME: Federal Republic of Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has stated that human migration has shaped human history and is driven by various factors, including conflict, poverty, and climate change.

In his statement, the president said migration, especially in Somalia has been caused by various factors including; insecurity, limited economic opportunities and climate change, highlighting Africa’s contribution to Europe’s reconstruction and growth through migration.

He added that the migration phenomenon has also assisted in the development of the African continent through remittance, knowledge transfer and diaspora investment, but noted the serious concerns over perilous migrant journeys across the Mediterranean, exacerbated by human traffickers.

Respect for Sovereignty

President Mohamud also stressed the importance of respecting each nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity for effective international cooperation and progressive change.

“The Africa-Italy partnership cannot and will not work under certain conditions. It is untenable if one African state decides to break international laws by attempting to annex the territory of another, as Ethiopia has unsuccessfully attempted to do in my country,” he said.  

Adding, “This illegal action will cause tensions, conflict, and regional instability if it is not retracted. This will, in turn, exacerbate the migration, mobility, and security challenges we are here to address together.”