President Hassan Briefs Parliament on Security, Somaliland &Puntland talks

Mogadishu May 02 2013 (SDN) – The president of the federal republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has addressed to the parliament today. In his address to Parliament the President touched on various issues including his trip to Puntland, security developments in the country, Turkey- hosted Somalia and Somaliland talks and the ongoing conference of Jubaland state formation in Kismayo.

Mogadishu Security

President Hassan has told the parliament that the reasons behind the closure of the main streets in Mogadishu are for security reasons, and the prevention of militant’s attacks. “Somali capital Mogadishu is in its third day of a security lockdown for security reasons because we have received intelligence information that the Al-Qaeda linked militiants are planning to stage attacks against government installations” president Hassan while addressing to the parliament. He also added that Al-shabab militiants are planning to launch suicide attacks intended for government officials using those streets.

Somalia and Somaliland talks

The president also raised in his speech issues pertaining to the Somalia-Somaliland talks that took place in Ankara Turkey in April. President Hassan told to the Somali parliament that the Ankara-mediated talks were successful. Previously, a number of parliamentarians accused the Somali federal government of “recognizing Somaliland” as an independent country following the signing of Ankara Communiqué’ in last month.

Puntland

The President also briefed the Parliament about his trip to Puntland where he met the president of the puntland. President Hassan stated that the two agreed on: dialogue for reconciliation throughout Somalia; improving security through building Somali National Forces whose responsibility will be tasked to technical committee; abiding by the previous agreement made by Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon and President Farole.

President Hassan also touched on some of the issues that were discussed during his meeting with President Farole. One issue that was raised in discussions was the altering of the Provisional Federal Constitution (PFC).

Jubaland issue.

President also pointed out that his government will not recognize the proposed Jubaland state in which its formation conference is currently underway in Kismayo. “We will not recognize Jubaland administration since parts of Juba regions is controlled by the Al-Qaeda linked militants Al-shabab”.

Since its formation in late last year, the government of President Hassan Sheik has gained an increasing support from the international community and has so far achieved to restore the country to the international arena.

Nonetheless analysts believe that the government has not done enough when it comes to domestic issues like stabilizing the country.

SDN Mogadishu News desk