MOGADISHU – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Saturday opened the eighth session of the Federal Parliament, highlighting security operations against Al-Shabaab and reaffirming his government’s commitment to holding direct elections.
Addressing a joint sitting of the House of the People and the Upper House at Villa Hargeisa in Mogadishu, Mohamud praised lawmakers for their role in state-building, strengthening oversight of government institutions and passing key legislation.
In a wide-ranging speech, the president said his administration was continuing efforts to improve security, stability and development across the Horn of Africa nation, pointing to what he described as tangible progress in military operations against the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab.
He said the campaign had been led by the Somali National Army with support from local communities, but did not provide further details.
Mohamud also underscored progress in Somalia’s democratization process, reiterating his government’s determination to introduce universal suffrage after decades of indirect voting.
He said direct elections based on the will of the people were essential to building an inclusive political system, strengthening state institutions and expanding citizens’ participation in governance.
Somalia is pursuing electoral reforms amid continuing political disagreements over the framework and timing of future elections, while security challenges posed by Al-Shabaab remain a major obstacle to the country’s stabilization efforts.
