Somalia tightens security ahead of IGAD summit

Mogadishu, Somalia – President of Somalia Hasan Shaikh Mahmoud held a press conference on Saturday where he talked about heightened security measures in Mogadishu ahead of high level IGAD summit, Garowe online reports.

President Mahmoud spoke to the press this morning at the Presidential Palace and reveled that major roads in the capital city of Mogadishu has been blocked ahead of the arrival of regional leader to attend the upcoming 53rd summit of Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in Mogadishu.

“Security measures have been beefed up at a time people are preparing for the Eid celebration due to security concerns from terrorists group, I urge citizens to remain patient and work closely with government forces and AMISOM troops,” President said.

The President emphasized the importance of hosting a High Level IGAD summit in Somalia, which will send a positive image worldwide as International community are watching closely the outcome of the upcoming summit.

Despite series of attacks by Al Shabab militants group in Mogadishu last week, the President claimed that the security situation in the capital is under control.

The President who is chairing the ongoing NLF Conference in Mogadishu said a communiqué will be released highlighting the outcome of the talks on the inclusive roadmap of the upcoming Somali election expected to be concluded on October 30.

IGAD summit comes at a time Somalia’s President Mahmoud four years term expired at 10 September, facing stiff opposition from rival Presidential candidates calling him to step down from office on Friday.

GAROWEONLINE