Somalia President convenes Federal Parliament

MOGADISHU, Somalia, April 27, 2015(Garowe Online)-Federal Government of Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh MOhamud has convened the sixth parliamentary session in the presence of Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, Speaker Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari and High Court Chief Judge Aideed Abdullahi Ilka-hanf on Monday, Garowe Online reports.

At the onset of parliament session, President Mohamud witnessed the swearing-in of two new MPs who would replace deceased parliamentarians.

Mohamud addressed MPs on, Federalization, security, Somali refugees in Yemen and Kenya, political situation and economy. 

On Federalism, Somalia President denied that the country’s loose federalization process will encourage division, and alleged national fragmentation: “Those who believe that federalism will pave the way to division and hostility are not right,” said Mohamud.

Continuing, Somalia President noted: “I request the national assembly members to speed up the passing of bills necessary for the federalization process, so that the existing federal states and the upcoming ones can fulfill the laws in place for the endeavor”.

Renewing calls for amnesty for youths fighting alongside Al Qaeda-linked Al Shabaab group, he unveiled that his administration is ready to welcome deserters.

Prime Minister Sharmarke on the other hand spoke about the assets freeze and closure of Somali remittance firms by Kenyan government at the request of parliament speaker Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari.

Sharmarke expressed his pleasure over the outcome of talks with Kenya leadership, saying the repatriation of Somali refugees in Kenya will be voluntary.

The often fickle 275-seat-chamber of parliament is set to debate and approve a bunch of bills over the course of the session. 

GAROWE ONLINE