The Somali Prime Minister visits important sites in Kismayo
The Prime Minister of the Somali Federal Government His Excellency Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed arrived in Kismayo, the capital of the Interim Jubba Administration, on Saturday, April 11th 2014. The Prime Minister and his delegation, which includes Somali Federal Government cabinet and parliament members, received a warm welcome in Kismayo from Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), the President of the Interim Jubba Administration and other high-ranking officials. The Prime Minister’s trip to Kismayo follows his visit to some of the areas that were recently recovered from al-Shabaab terrorists.
H.E. the Prime Minister was very pleased with the reception he received and announced his intention to meet with various sectors of the community while he is visiting the city.
“I bring you profound salutations from the President of the Federal Government of Somalia and the Speaker of the Parliament. I am greatly honoured to be received with such immense friendship and goodwill by the people of Kismayo,” said H.E. Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed.
On his part, Islam announced his full support for the Federal Government of Somalia and remarked on the similarities between Mogadishu and Kismayo, calling them twin cities.
The Prime Minister stated his intention to focus on development, security and the revival of various livelihood projects during his Kismayo visit. He highlighted the importance of pushing on-going efforts to stabilize the region and promised that the Federal Government will oversee the preservation of peace in all areas. H.E. the Prime Minister said that all parties will build on the Addis Ababa Agreement and vowed to oversee its full implementation. In addition, he held meetings with AMISOM officials to discuss enhancing security in order to advance development and reconstruction in the region.
As part of his Kismayo visit, H.E. Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed toured government facilities including schools, hospitals, the port, and other public structures in Kismayo. H.E. Ahmed Madobe accompanied him on the tours.
During his visit to the Kismayo General Hospital, the officials of the hospital briefed H.E. Prime Minster Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, after which he declared that the central government will deliver urgent assistance to the hospital. He announced that the Minister of Health will pay a working visit to Kismayo to assess the needs of the hospital. The Prime Minister also authorized the Ministry of Interior Affairs to provide immediate food aid to the newly liberated areas in Jubba.
In addition, H.E. Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed visited the recently rehabilitated facilities of the Ministry of Interior and the Central Bank of the Jubba Administration, which represent the progress Kismayo has made since the liberation of the city by Somali National Forces and AMISOM. The inaugurated bank will boost the public financial management of the Jubba Administration, and signals the administration’s commitment to promoting transparency and accountability.
“We are delighted and proud to witness the Jubba Administration’s progress in Kismayo. The people of Kismayo have suffered many years of civil war and extremism. The city of Kismayo is now ready for prosperity after decades of civil strife,” said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister concluded his tour of public facilities by overseeing operations at the Port of Kismayo where he pledged to assist efforts to rehabilitate the port as it serves many Somali citizens in Jubba.