Wednesday June 12, 2024
Oslo (HOL) - Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reiterated that his government has liberated vast areas from al-Shabab over the last two years, despite the group increasing its attacks on army bases in Galmudug and Hirshabelle States.
Addressing the Somali diaspora community in Oslo on Tuesday, President Mohamud focused on security, politics, the country's development, constitutional amendments, and the fight against al-Shabab in various regions.
"The liberation of the country, the completion of the Constitution, and the strengthening of federalization go hand in hand. We want to eliminate the Khawarij, who have troubled Somalia for 17 years. It seems we have achieved great success in the war to cleanse the country," said President Mohamud.
He President also urged the Somali community in Norway to play their part in the fight against al-Shabab. He explained the strong debates surrounding the amendments to the country's Constitution, emphasizing that the work on the Constitution will continue and noting that the debate has been ongoing for 12 years.
"The discussion about the consultation has been going on for 12 years, and we have discussed it enough. The Provisional Constitution is composed of 15 chapters and remains the same 15 chapters. We have given 12 years to this discussion," said President Mohamud.
In April, Somalia's two houses of parliament unanimously approved four chapters of its Constitution, paving the way for a new political system. The approved chapters include provisions on freedom of expression, women's representation, and a leadership system.