We are responsible for defending the people, Somalia President says

MOGADISHU, Somalia - President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says the government is responsible for defending the people from violent extremism, noting that the unity of the people is essential for the socio-economic transformation of the country.

While opening an event dubbed 'One Somalia', President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said clerics and religious leaders are playing a key role in the stabilisation mission in the country, adding that there is hope that the militants will be defeated.

In his statement, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud maintained that there is a need to persuade youths to abandon the extremism agenda, which he noted has affected thousands of youths who are determined to bring down the country.

"The government is responsible for protecting the existence of the people and the country, especially religion, language, unity, and solidarity, which are the heritage of the Somali people. Religion is the first thing that unites us. There are many dangers," he said.

"Those who wish to divide our people cannot do so by tribe or region, which is why the Khawarij and others who oppose our unity have targeted our noble religion to cause discord," added the president.

Recently, the government updated its national security threat list to include separatism, terrorism, state fragility, open borders, foreign interference, climate change, cybersecurity risks, and social crisis risks.

The conference comes when Somalia is at loggerheads with Ethiopia over the access to the Red Sea, following an agreement signed between Addis Ababa and Hargeisa. The agreement has been dismissed by Somalia as 'null and void'.

Already, Somalia has reached out to Turkey and signed an MoU on defence, and last week, the Turkish parliament passed a resolution to have its Naval forces pitching a tent on the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea to guard the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

GAROWE ONLINE