Somali president calls for political dialogue
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Shabellemedia
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud calls for political dialogue to continue and says progress has been made against Al-Shabaab and towards direct elections. He defends negotiations as a way to resolve disputes over the Constitution and electoral process, according to Shabellemedia.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called for political dialogue to continue and national unity to be strengthened, saying differences must be resolved through negotiation. He made the remarks in a speech addressed to the public, Shabelle Media reports.
The head of state also said progress had been made in the fight against Al-Shabaab and in preparing for direct elections. He said recent polls had taken place peacefully and allowed citizens to take part in choosing their leaders, without specifying which ones.
The appeal comes as the federal government and opposition remain at odds over the country’s political direction, constitutional framework and electoral arrangements. Somalia is seeking to replace its indirect system, in which delegates and clan-linked representatives play a role in selecting MPs and leaders, with direct elections.
Hassan Sheikh also said operations against Al-Shabaab had enabled the recovery of several areas, where security was improving and public administration was returning. The Al-Qaeda-linked group has waged an insurgency against the Somali state for more than a decade and continues to pose a threat to security forces, public officials and civilians, according to Shabelle Media.
