Saturday January 21, 2023
Baidoa (HOL) -During his visit to Baidoa for the
South West reconciliation conference, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with religious leaders on Friday and urged them to play a prominent role in countering the perverse ideology of the al Shabab.
The Somali President added that religious clerics play a prominent role in Somalia's struggle against al Shabab and praised the sheikhs for their efforts in mediating conflicts and promoting reconciliation.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced that the second phase of the ongoing offensive against al-Shabab would begin in Somalia's South West state.
According to Mohamud, the first phase of the operation against the group in Hirshabelle and Galmudug is nearing completion. He noted that the government had mobilized troops to liberate al-Shabaab-controlled areas.
Religious leaders at the event welcomed the military measures taken to liberate, stabilize, and promote responsible governance.
Somalia's international partners also welcomed efforts by Somalia's leaders to advance priorities on peacebuilding and state-building, including through the regular meetings of the National Consultative Council.
The international community welcomed the renewed focus on the constitutional review process, federal resource and power-sharing, and reconciliation, which are crucial to ensuring Somalia's long-term stability.
"We call on all stakeholders to engage constructively in these efforts and resolve differences through dialogue and consultation. We remain committed to supporting Somalia in achieving its state-building priorities, the foundation for an inclusive, prosperous and peaceful Somalia," they said in a statement issued on Friday.