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President Mohamud’s Vision for Somalia: A Path to Progress and Unity

Storyline:10th President, National News

In a comprehensive speech, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud presented a detailed report on his administration’s progress and future vision for Somalia. His address emphasized a commitment to institutional reform, economic development, and national unity. The President spoke at length about key ministerial achievements and national priorities, highlighting a forward-looking approach despite the challenges of the past.

On Security and Governance

President Mohamud acknowledged the slow pace of Somalia’s state-building journey but affirmed a renewed commitment to accelerate progress. He stated, “Our steps have been slow, but we can go much farther than where we are now, and we can move faster than we ever have before.” He emphasized that security remains the government’s top priority, with military training centers being established in every federal member state to enhance national security. The President affirmed that the ultimate responsibility for the nation’s well-being rests with the government, which must work to facilitate progress and development for its people.

Ministerial Achievements and Key Initiatives

The President highlighted significant achievements by various ministries, showcasing the government’s holistic approach to development.

  • Ministry of Religious Affairs: The President praised the Ministry of Religious Affairs for its work in improving Hajj services for Somali citizens. The cost of the pilgrimage has been significantly reduced, making it more accessible, and the quality of services has been enhanced, with pilgrims now housed in better locations closer to the holy sites.
  • Ministry of Education: President Mohamud commended the Ministry of Education for its role in developing human capital. He highlighted the recruitment of 10,000 teachers, with 6,000 already working and the rest in the process of being hired. He also spoke about a groundbreaking private system used by the ministry to track a student’s entire academic journey, from elementary school to a Ph.D. This system links a student’s educational history to a unique number, which allows the ministry to verify credentials and track progress, a critical step toward building a modern educational institution.
  • Ministry of Finance: The President pointed to the Ministry of Finance’s efforts to modernize the financial sector. He announced plans to introduce a new Somali Shilling and establish a new bank in every state to streamline financial transactions and increase access to formal financial systems. He also noted that private companies that built Mogadishu’s power grid, which cost over $100 million, have been compensated by the government.
  • Health and Social Services: The President highlighted the establishment of referral hospitals in various federal member states and the expansion of basic health services, with many health centers now equipped with electricity. He also mentioned programs to expand water access and strengthen health services for livestock and rural families.
  • Energy and Natural Resources: The government is working to responsibly extract and manage resources like oil, gas, and minerals. The President highlighted clean energy sources such as solar and wind power as major opportunities for the country.

Federalism, Unity, and the Path Forward

President Mohamud spoke at length about the federal system, stating that it is the chosen model for Somalia’s governance. He emphasized that the country’s constitution, a document that has been worked on for over a decade, is a living document that can and will be amended as the country progresses.

The President also addressed the issue of political discord, stating that disagreements are a normal part of governance but must be resolved through dialogue, not violence or division. He specifically addressed opposition figures, reprimanding them for using social media to create discord instead of engaging in productive dialogue. He asserted that the government is open to working with anyone willing to engage constructively and that the time for fragmentation and petty politics is over. The President’s message was clear: Somalia will move forward despite the challenges, and its progress will not be hindered by those who prioritize personal agendas over national unity.

Identification and Travel

A central theme of the President’s speech was the importance of national identity and a unified system of identification. He spoke about the need for every Somali citizen to have a national ID card, stating that a day will come when such an ID will be necessary to even use public transportation. He also emphasized the dignity of holding a Somali passport, asserting that a Somali citizen should be able to travel with their own passport rather than relying on foreign ones. The President warned that if a Somali citizen carries a foreign passport, they will be required to get a visa to enter Somalia. He also highlighted the government’s progress in creating a secure identification system, noting that a database now exists to verify citizens’ information and check passports against a global database to prevent forgery.

Conclusion

The President’s address conveyed a vision for a Somalia that is a self-sufficient, unified, and organized state. His speech demonstrated a shift toward a society where services are delivered efficiently, the market functions transparently, and the government serves as the guarantor of law and order. The commitment to institutional development and a unified national identity highlights a path toward a stable and prosperous future.