Muqdisho,(SONNA)-Tonight, I wish to address the Somali people, who have shown grave concern with regards to the current political situation and the future of the country.
As we have repeatedly stated, we have always been ready to implement timely and peaceful elections in the country. But unfortunately, our efforts were hampered by individuals, and foreign entities who have no aim other than to destabilize the country and take it back to the era of division and destruction in order to create a constitutional vacuum.
As a government, we have always been ready to implement, without any preconditions, national elections that are based on 17 September 2020 agreement, and the16 February 2021 Baidoa Technical Committee recommendations.
I would like to commend the efforts of H.E. the Prime Minister, and the Presidents of Galmudug, Hirshabeele, Southwest State and the Governor of Banadir Regional Administration towards peace and welcome the statements they issued on elections.
In order to successfully hold elections that are based on the above-mentioned agreement and recommendations, I would like to firstly call on all parties in Somalia to refrain from any and all actions that could lead to widespread instability in the country, including the politicization of the security forces, creating social divisions and the destruction of public property.
Distinguished Fellow Somalis,
The undeniable truth is that you have always stood by your government and continue to do so. You have demonstrated patience, maturity and patriotism.
When I was elected as your President, you marched out of your homes to support this historic victory. You deserve a government that further strengthens that vigorous sense of patriotism.
In reality, we will never allow the Somali people to fall into further destruction and displacement. Therefore, I call upon the parties organizing unrest, including politicians who were recently holding prominent political positions and are now aiming to assume public positions through chaos, to refrain from such acts.
The last few days have given people clear indication of who harbors good or evil intentions. We have seen the clear distinction between those who cause displacement and those who saved lives. Instead of becoming ones who caused displacement, we chose to save lives.
Political interests will end, but this land and this flag are eternal, and they must come before all of our other interests. We are also cognizant to the fact that it is our solemn duty to prevent any threat to stability and peace.
We have defeated numerous outside influences that have invested significant financial and human resources in order to undermine our country’s development and serve their own interests.
We refuse to allow our youth to be used as tools that destroy the lives and properties of Somali people.
Tonight, the Somali people will be able to distinguish between those who are working to prevent elections and destroy national institutions, from those who are championing peace, nationhood and the unity of the Somali people.
My fellow citizens, tonight, you will bear witness to those who seek to grab power through bloodshed and those who are willing to transition power through votes.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As President, I am entrusted with upholding the constitution and have the duty to reconcile the previously reached political agreements with the latest Law passed by the House of the people. Therefore, I have decided to appear before the members of the House of the People of the Federal Parliament on Saturday to gain their endorsement for the electoral process that as agreed upon between the Federal Government, the Heads of Federal Member States and the Governor of BRA.
The Federal Government of Somalia has always believed, and still sees dialogue, compromise, negotiation and the return to the discussion table as the only viable options, while honoring the 17 September 2020 agreement and the recommendations of the Baidoa Technical Committee.
I hereby call upon all of the signatories of the 17 September agreement to come together immediately for urgent discussions on the unconditional implementation of the above-mentioned agreement.
Finally, I urge all security agencies to maintain the stability of the Capital and the safety of innocent civilians, avoiding any actions that may lead to insecurity. I also urge the Somali people to support the armed forces in this regard.
May Allah lead us towards the righteous path.
