Somalia President warns against illegal checkpoints, visits Djibouti 26 Nov 26, 2012 - 12:39:56 PM
DJIBOUTI, Djibouti Nov 26 2012 (Garowe Online) – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited the country of Djibouti on Monday and met with Diibouti President Omar Ismail Gelle, Garowe Online reports.
Somali Federal Government President Hassan who was elected in September visited Djibout accompanied by Defense Minister Abdihakim Mohamud Fiqi, President’s advisor Farah Sheikh Abdiqadir and Director of the Office of the President Kamal Dahir Hassan.
Djibouti held a colorful event warmly welcoming President Hassan and his delegation.
Djibouti President Gelle personally welcomed President Hassan at the Djibouti international airport where their red carpet event was held.
The two dignitaries met to discuss promoting further cooperation between the two countries that share the same ethnic population.
Djibouti has 300 armed forces deployed in Somalia to fight terrorism under the UN Security Council mandated AMISOM mission.
After the meeting the two officials held a joint press meeting outside the presidential palace. President Hassan thanked the government and the people of Djibouti for their “warm welcome”.
Before President Hassan flew to out Djibouti from Mogadishu on Monday, he met with Mogadishu district commisoners where he spoke about illegal checkpoints set up in the war-torn city.
“We know that some of you have set up illegal checkpoints in your districts and the government will not tolerate this,” said President Hassan at the Mogadishu state house meeting with district and military officials.
There have been reports of illegal checkpoints and transgressions on citizens in recently liberated districts in southern Somalia.
The president also warned against rape of women, saying that the death penalty will be pursued for rape crimes.
President Hassan met with military, police and district officials throughout Sunday and early Monday urging government and military officials to uphold the law.
According to sources, President Hassan will visit Ethiopia on his tour through East Africa.
