Somalia: Somali President Says Government Has No Hostility Towards Its People

Mogadishu — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared on Friday that the federal government harbors no hostility towards any Somali citizen. He emphasized that the nation's political disagreements were not fueled by regional, clan, or personal divisions. "The government and its officials have no hostility towards any Somali person," he stated, adding that Somalis, regardless of their location, receive the government's goodwill, respect, and dignity.

The president affirmed that the federal government stands ready to confront anyone attempting to cause bloodshed or undermine Somalia's security and unity. However, he stressed that the government itself does not seek confrontation or bloodshed. He also cautioned against statements and political activities that might incite public sentiment and reopen wounds from past conflicts.

While acknowledging the right to express one's views, he warned that such freedoms should not be used to provoke communities or revive old divisions.

He stressed the government's primary duty to uphold the law, safeguard national unity, and ensure Somalia's progress as a united country. The federal institutions, he said, are working towards those objectives. His comments followed Puntland's warning of what it perceived as a federal government plan in the central city of Gaalkacyo, which it linked to a potential visit by President Hassan Sheikh to the city.

The president urged Somalis to work for peace, unity, and the national interest, while emphasizing the government's duty to prevent any action that could endanger public security and stability.