President Hassan Sheikh: Somalia shall rise again

MOGADISHU, Somalia - President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has expressed optimism that the federal republic of Somalia shall rise from her current shambolic state and hurdles should it get priorities right in the next couple of years under his second administration.

Hassan Sheikh reported to the office for the first time on Friday after taking over from Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed better known as Farmajo, whose tenure was characterized by massive human rights violations, economic sabotage and violent extremism.

Farmajo was viewed by many as a saboteur of development based on his strained relationship with members of the federal states, which are critical under the federalism setup. Throughout his tenure, most federal states were in persistent wrangles with him.

In a tweet, the new head of state who is tasked with rebuilding Somalia said the country will rise again to the path of prosperity and progress should it stick to priories as outlined in his manifesto, which got huge support from members of the public.

"First Friday as President, since my re-election, I reflected on and reviewed the priorities ahead of us. Somalia is at crossroads and we must take the path of progress and prosperity for our own betterment," he said.

"Somalia can go forward and we can achieve our full potential if we work together, " added Hassan Sheikh, who has been president before having served in the 8th government, and being behind the federalism that was meant to devolve resources.

Among those he outlined as critical issues to be solved are the economic downturn and security threats in the country. The country is struggling to repay loans to international lenders which are critical in financing key projects.

Also, Al-Shabaab militants have continued to take lives besides destroying key infrastructural development projects in the country. Recently, the US said it shall work closely with the current government to bolster security through the deployment of more soldiers.

GAROWE ONLINE