Somalia president Hassan Sheikh appoints ex-state leaders as special envoys

MOGADISHU, Somalia - President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has tapped former leaders of federal states to his government as he seeks to solidify his base across the country besides embracing magnanimity and inclusiveness as a strategy to help solve problems bedeviling the federal government of Somalia.

In his latest appointments, Hassan Sheikh recalled former Galmadug president who also served as Interior and National Security minister Abdikarim Hussein Guled who will now be serving as his Special Envoy for Somaliland Affairs.

His appointment comes at the time the world has expressed concerns about the ongoing battle between the Somaliland military and the SSC-Khatumo forces in Las Anod. Already, over 200 people have been killed in the two-month-old conflict.

During Hassan Sheikh's first term, Guled chaired talks between the government and Somaliland. Guled has been instructed to immediately begin talks between the Federal Government of Somalia and Somaliland, following a call by SSC elders for Somaliland to withdraw their troops from the regions of Sool, Sanaag, and Ayn.

Another critical appointment is that of immediate former HirShabelle leader Mohamed Abdi Ware who will now be serving as Special Envoy for Stabilization and Civilian Protection. He will coordinate efforts to ensure the protection of civilians and the provision of critical services to citizens in the areas liberated by the SNA offensive, according to the presidency.

The former leader who has been passionate about the Al-Shabaab crackdown has already embraced his appointment, which has been also widely received well by Americans, Norwegians, and other members of the international community who seemingly believe in his capability to handle stabilization pressure.

"As we enter the second phase of the fight against Shabaab, Civilian Protection and Adherence to the Geneva Conventions will be at the core of the operations," he said in a tweet. "Stabilization will ensure that recovered areas enjoy the benefits of liberation and the people see a difference in their lives in security, Justice, humanitarian assistance, health, and education."

"With the collaboration of the international community, other relevant Ministries, Federal Member States, and International partners, we will ensure, Inshallah, to once and for all, liberate our people from the scourge that is Al Shabaab and leave a bright legacy for our children and grandchildren," he added.

Somalia has announced the second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab as it targets areas that are yet to be liberated from the militants. The government has requested support from neighboring Kenya, Djibouti, and Ethiopia who have pledged to send more security forces to aid local militia and troops fighting the militants.

GAROWE ONLINE