Dignitaries arrive in Somalia ahead of Hassan Sheikh's inauguration

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Dozens of foreign dignitaries and diplomats started trickling into the country ahead of the inauguration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday, who defeated Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo in the May 15 election.

At Aden Abdulle International Airport on Tuesday, reports indicate, that the diplomats made entry to Somalia, a clear indication that the international community has trust and faith in the new president, who initially served in the same capacity from 2012 to 2017.

Those who have already arrived in the country include delegations from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Turkey and Bahrain. The six countries have close ties with the federal government of Somalia, which has struggled with stability for decades.

At the airport, the delegates, including Ugandan Defence Minister Vincent Bamulangaki were received by government ministers and other senior government officials.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is set to pick after his inauguration a Prime Minister, whose mandate will be constituting government for proper service delivery.

Some of the world leaders who have confirmed attendance include President Uhuru Kenyatta from neighbouring Kenya, Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh. The inauguration shall take place on Thursday.

As part of steering operations within the country, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has promised to revamp the ailing economy besides intensifying the fight against corruption. The president has also pledged to ensure Al-Shabaab militants are defeated.

For instance, Farmajo was accused of working closely with Isaias Afwerki, the current president of Eritrea, who is linked to the clandestine training of Somali troops. Qatar, through former spy chief Fahad Yasin, was accused also of meddling in the internal affairs of the country.

GAROWE ONLINE