Poet Artan urges Mogadishu youth to protect peace and stand by national forces

Mogadishu (SONNA) - The Somali poet Artan has called on young people in Mogadishu to protect the peace the capital now enjoys and to stand by the national armed forces.

Addressing a youth gathering in the city, the poet said Mogadishu today has security, and that the public must stand with the country’s national forces.

He said young women and men are now able to stay out and return home safely at nine or ten o’clock at night, after the insecurity, hardship and difficult conditions the city has been through.

The poet thanked the members of the security forces who, he said, stand day and night working for the security of the public, and asked the crowd whether they did not owe them their thanks.

He also paid tribute to the martyrs who gave their lives for the country, saying they were the reason Somalis are able to live in happiness and peace today.

Turning to the country’s elections, the poet said young people who had never before been involved in politics had now been given an opportunity, and urged the youth to seek the same opportunities for their peers and to make their voices heard.

He called on the people of Mogadishu to protect their security and stand by their honourable armed forces.

Addressing Somalis wherever they are, the poet called on them to join in protecting the peace and safeguarding statehood, and to work together with everyone who wants statehood and progress for the country.