H.E. Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke today addressed the 53rd extra-ordinary session of the IGAD Council of Ministers meeting held in Mogadishu. Foreign Ministers from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, and Uganda, were present and discussed the progress made by IGAD member countries particularly Somalia. H.E. Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke noted his appreciation to the IGAD member states for coming to Mogadishu.
“Your presence here today speaks of volume of the progress Somalia has made in the recent years. I am confident today’s discussions were fruitful, as they hold dual significance for Somalia, one as the host of the gathering and second as the main focus of the session on the political and security progress of Somalia,” said the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister spoke of the government achievements and said “As you know, progress has been made towards constitutional reform, federalism and democratization. We are committed to lay the ground for democratic elections in 2016, in partnership with our international partners, in particular our African brothers and sisters”. He continued to say that the Federal Government of Somalia is focused on the future, even beyond the Vision 2016. With much to be accomplished in Somalia, everything becomes a priority, from security, political inclusivity, health care, education, private sector development to basic economic foundations. All of these priorities must be addressed at once.
In his remarks the Prime Minister stated the heavy lifting awaiting for his new administration and that he will appoint a new cabinet of quality and integrity very soon. “I would also like to seize this opportunity to inform you that I will be nominating shortly my new cabinet, which will have continuity and inclusivity. That cabinet will have not only the integrity and experience required for state-building, it would also have the will as well as the commitment to overcome the challenges of our time,” said the Prime Minister.
In his closing speech, H.E Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke laid out his administration’s program and the significant milestones waiting to be achieved. Among these are:
• The unfinished Vision 2016 tasks and milestones,
• The limited territory that is still under the control of the terrorist network,
• The uncompleted goal of reforming justice and judiciary sectors,
• Employment and economic recovery didn’t achieve the required milestone,
• Lagging social services and lack of access to the limited services across the country,
• Poor institutional capacity and governance issues.
Prime Minister concluded his remarks by thanking IGAD organization for their support to the people of Somalia. “I would like to thank you once again for holding such important discussions in Somalia. I look forward to working with you in the future and I wish you all safe journey back to your home countries,” concluded the Prime Minister.
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