CARTA, Djibouti — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Thursday hailed Djibouti’s “historic and brotherly” role in restoring peace and statehood in Somalia, as he addressed a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the Somali Peace Conference held in the Djiboutian town of Carta.
Recalling the 2000 peace talks that paved the way for Somalia’s transitional government, President Mohamud praised Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh and the people of Djibouti for their “unwavering solidarity” with Somalia during its most difficult years.
“Fortunately, I remember it well because I was among those who participated in the Carta Conference,” Mohamud said. “My brother President Ismail showed great patience and determination, even when the situation was tough, and he declared to the world that Somalia had regained its statehood — words that inspired hope and shaped the success we celebrate today.”
The Somali leader noted that his country remains engaged in a tough fight against the Islamic State group and Al-Shabaab, describing both as “international terrorist organizations.” He reaffirmed the Somali government’s commitment to eradicating the extremists while strengthening state institutions, advancing democratic governance and fostering regional cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
“Carta is the cradle of Somalia’s third republic,” Mohamud said. “The Federal Government of Somalia has achieved remarkable progress since its establishment and remains determined to fulfill its pledge to move beyond the provisional constitution and hold one-person, one-vote elections.”
Honoring the Somali figures who helped rebuild the nation, Mohamud underscored the importance of inclusive and stable politics to establish resilient institutions capable of fulfilling national duties.
For his part, Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh welcomed the visiting delegation and reiterated his country’s enduring support for Somalia’s peace and development.
“Djibouti will always stand by its Somali brothers and continue to play its part in promoting peace, unity and progress in Somalia,” Guelleh said.
