President Hassan urges unity, coperation for Somalia's development

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has appealed to the Federal States, particularly his biggest opposition Puntland State, to put the country’s interest of national unity and development ahead of everything else.

He issued a communique urging the country to come together and join in nation-building on Thursday evening.

“The Federal Government is determined not to politicize its responsibilities over the two levels of Federal system of governance in particular on matters economic, development and the addressing of humanitarian situations and the Federal Government is cognizant of the responsibilities and constitutional rights of the Federal States,” the communique reads.

The President reiterated his desire to continue reaching out to Puntland State to mend ties and see the country continue on its positive trajectory of development.

Since March 31 when he signed into law the four first chapters of the new Somali constitution passed by parliament touching on power sharing, Presidential term limit and fewer powers for the Premier Minister, President Hassan irked Puntland State which withdrew its support on Federal Government Institutions and said it does not recognize him as President, accusing him of mutilating the constitution.

Since then a lot has happened. The Federal Government was unhappy with a visit to Ethiopia by Puntland State President Said Deni earlier this month and immediately severed diplomatic relations with Ethiopia and closed Ethiopia's consular offices in Puntland and Somaliland. Puntland State termed that as null and void that decision.

“The Federal government is still determined to continue with all efforts to improve relations with Puntland State for the Somali people to realize their dreams of getting a government that will help them realize their dreams,” the statement added.

The statement was welcomed by some of his staunch critics who hoped the words would be translated into action for the country to move forward.

Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu, a Member of Parliament who has been a vocal critic praised the President's decision to reach out to all his critics and in particular Puntland State.

“The communique issued last night by President Hassan had all the characteristics of an elder concerned with the situation and is likely to foster reconciliation and unity. I hope the President will continue with his latest peaceful gestures he started last night and that divergent parties can have frank discussions on all national priority issues,” he told The Eastleigh Voice.

Mohamed reminded the President that Somalia's troubles were compounded by dictatorial tendencies and he hopes the latest gesture by the President will be accepted by Puntland State.

“We failed to win against each other through war and conflict and it is clear that dialogue is the only way. I hope Puntland will also tone down its stance and that a new brotherly door of dialogue will be opened,” Mohamed said.

Political analyst Ali Abdi believes President Hassan's conciliatory statement is a sign that he has toned down on his earlier hardline stance.

“The statement from Somalia's President has two main aims. First, the President has felt the political pressure from the Federal States and it can also be seen as though he is complaining to the public and telling them, look how the Federal States are an obstacle to realizing national security and unity. This is a sign that he has realized his hardline position is counterproductive. This positive and welcomed,” Abdi told The Eastleigh Voice.