Somalia: President Hassan vows to fight 'murder, rape and corruption' 24 Jan 24, 2013 - 2:31:16 AM
MOGADISHU, Somalia Jan. 24, 2013 (Garowe Online)
- Somalia’s
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has vowed that his administration will fight “three evils” in helping Somalia recovery from decades conflict, Garowe Online reports.
President Hassan made the statement at a public event to support U.S. official recognition of the Somali federal government, held Hotel City Palace in Mogadishu on Thursday and attended by senior government officials
, including Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon.
President Hassan expressed support and happiness with the U.S. government’s decision to officially recognize the Somali federal government, saying: “The Somali Federal Government has satisfied conditions of nationhood and Somalia welcomes and will benefit from official recognition by the U.S. government.”
The Somali president warned against “three evils” that hinder the potential for development and progress in Somalia.
“We will fight the three evils of murder, rape and corruption. My administration will not tolerate innocent persons to be killed or our women to be raped,” said President Hassan
, while pr
aising Somali women
"the honor of Somalia
".
He reiterated his warning of November 2012, saying: “There are many good soldiers but also a few soldiers who engage in criminal activities. We will deal severely with soldiers who commit crimes.”
Continuing, President Hassan said: “The Somali Ministry of Finance is not corrupt, but perhaps some individuals working there are corrupt. This is the same case for employees of the President’s Office. I call on the public not to hide corrupt officials.”
It marked the first public event President Hassan has attended in Mogadishu since his election in September 2012. President Hassan returned to Mogadishu this week after visit ing the U.S. and attending an economic summit in Saudi Arabia.
Mogadishu and many towns in south-central Somalia have suffered from chronic insecurity and mass displacement following the collapse of the Somali central government in 1991.
GAROWE ONLINE
