Somalia President says committed to reconciliation

ADADO, Somalia, July 23, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Federal Government of Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, said his administration is committed to reconciliation and lasting peace in address to a crowd of international diplomats, politicians and traditional leaders at inaugural ceremony in Adado town of central Somalia on Thursday, Garowe Online reports.

Mohamud also urged new Galmudug interim administration to encourage end to disputes through peaceful means.

“The policy of Somalia Federal Government is built upon reconciliation and peace, and I hope Galmudug admin will do the same to get our backing,” said Somalia President amid a heated dispute over the legitimacy of the central state.

Praising their role in the liberation of many areas from Al Shabaab militants, Mohamud asked the paramilitary group of Ahlu Sunna Wal Jamea to join the interim administration.

In attendance were Southwest State President, Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Somalia, Ambassador Nicholas Kay and IGAD envoy, Mohamed Abdi Afey.

Kay congratulated Galmudug President, Abdikarin Hussein Guled and his Vice President, pledging that international community is ready to support any mediation plan to find a solution to differences between Galmudug and Ahlu Sunna.

“I encourage the Federal Government and the GIA to reach out and work constructively to resolve any differences with Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jama’a through dialogue and consultations to find a lasting settlement,” UN envoy said in a press statement from his office.

Moreover, he indicated that international community remained committed to Garowe agreement in late 2014: “The international community is committed to the agreement signed between the Federal Government and Puntland Government in Garowe in October 2014 that should enable communities in Puntland and GIA to coexist in peace”.

Puntland opposed make-up of Galmudug state, calling it ‘illegal’ in accordance to the Provisional Federal Constitution (PFC).

Attempts at diffusing dispute backfired after Puntland refused to agree to a recognition proposal by Somalia Prime Minister, Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke a week ago. 

GAROWE ONLINE