Mogadishu, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has officially opened the eighth session of the Federal Parliament, following a joint sitting of members of the House of the People and the Senate at Villa Hargeisa.
In an address covering a range of national issues, President Hassan Sheikh praised the leadership and members of both houses for what he described as their contribution to state-building, strengthening accountability within government institutions, developing key national legislation and representing the interests of the Somali people.
The president also spoke at length about the country’s overall situation, saying the government was continuing its efforts to strengthen security, stability and development.
He said significant progress had been made in the fight against al-Shabaab, referring to the militant group as the Khawaarij. According to the president, Somali armed forces have been at the forefront of the military campaign, with support from the Somali public.
President Hassan Sheikh also highlighted what he described as progress in Somalia’s democratic transition.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to holding direct elections based on the will of the people, saying the move would help establish a more inclusive political system while strengthening state institutions and citizens’ participation in the political process.
The opening of the parliamentary session comes as Somalia continues to face major security and political challenges, alongside efforts by the government to consolidate state institutions and advance its democratic transition.
/HM
