Somalia leaves successful AU summit with the support of a united continent

African heads of state stand shoulder to shoulder with Somalia in its battle against terrorists, His Excellency President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said today as the AU summit in Addis closed.

The President of Somalia stated: “We are now better placed than at any time during the past 20 years, and we could not achieve this success without our allies. The time is now for Somalia’s government to make a secure and safe environment for all our citizens. Africa is united behind us and we thank our brothers and sisters for their steadfast support.”

During a series of bilateral meetings with foreign head of delegations, the President met with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn. The President also met with Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US Undersecretary for African Affairs. These meetings focused on the way forward in eliminating Al-Shabaab. Somalia’s government has declared major operations against terrorists will be intensified in 2014.

“Somalia is grateful for all the support it receives from the US government with particular regard to security, and logistical support,” the President said:

“We came to Addis with the aim of galvanizing support in eliminating Shabaab. We have achieved our objectives with the close cooperation of our friends and allies.”

The African Union Head of States meeting concludes this evening.