In a press conference, Somalia’s interim President discussed wide ranging issues including the current situation of the country, the insurgents, conflict in the central regions of the country and how he sees the recent IGAD an AU declarations on the situation in Somalia.
The President started his speech by sending condolences to the relatives of those who died in the recent clashes in Mogadishu and prayed for the quick recovery of those who were wounded.
He told reporters that since his election, his government has been trying to restore peace and security to the country through peaceful means and dialogue and that his efforts allowed some who were opposed to his government to join the government.
“Unfortunately, however, there are some who are bent on the perpetuation of chaos and war and take orders from foreign entities and continue to de-stabilize the country” said the President who also for the first time directly asked the international community and Somalis to support his government to defend itself.
“I call on the Somali people and the international community to come to the defence of the country against foreign invaders” said the President who added that foreigners who invaded the country want to make Somalia like Iraq and Afghanistan. “We know how these groups devastated the countries they have gone to” added the President.
The President said that his government will assume responsibility to liberate Somalia from foreign invaders and that he is confident that the Somali people will not allow these invaders to fight along Somali groups who do not understand the interest of Somalis.
The President said that his government showed willingness to compromise for the interest of Somali people but insurgent groups are bent on the continuation of chaos and misery in Somalia. “As you know the government has extended its hand to insurgents for peace and has consulted elders and religious leaders as well as civil society so that a lasting peace can be restored to Somalia” said the President.
The President said that his government welcomes the “liberation wars” currently going on in the country’s central regions such as Galgadud, Hiiraan, and Middle Shabele. He called those wars noble efforts in which the Somali people are liberating themselves from those who invaded them”
He said that the AMISOM troops currently is Somalia will return to their countries after they fulfil their responsibilities and that the withdrawal of these troops depends on the cessation of hostilities aimed at the Somali people and their government.
The President concluded his remarks by welcoming the recent declarations by IGAD and the AU to blockade air and sea ports controlled by insurgents.
Source: HOL
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