President Hassan "I congratulate the SNA on its successes during ongoing operations against Al-Shabaab and the 54th anniversary of its inauguration." Images

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President Hassan "I congratulate the SNA on its successes during ongoing operations against Al-Shabaab and the 54th anniversary of its inauguration." Images

Mogadishu, 12 April 2014 – H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia today attended a ceremony marking the 54th anniversary of the creation of Somali National Army (SNA). "I congratulate the SNA on its su

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Mogadishu, 12 April 2014 – H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia today attended a ceremony marking the 54th anniversary of the creation of Somali National Army (SNA). "I congratulate the SNA on its successes in its ongoing operations against Al-Shabaab on the 54th anniversary of its inauguration."

Speaking on the occasion, the President said, "First of all, let me say congratulations, congratulations, congratulations to all SNA personnel and their families on the occasion of the 54th anniversary of its inauguration. The SNA has a long history that we are all very proud of. Some years ago, the SNA used to participate in peace keeping operations in other countries across Africa and was the lead in seeking independence from colonial rule amongst all the other countries in Africa.”

"The SNA used to provide training and capacity building to other African countries’ forces because Somalia had professional officers with experience, knowledge, good discipline and integrity. We should celebrate and acknowledge that history and teach it to our children as something which we are all very proud of,” the President said.

"Today our forces are engaged on a new front and in another fight, this time against terrorists. The SNA are the lead in the current military operations against Al-Shabaab with the support of AMISOM. The SNA liberates new towns day after day, and people in those areas are now free from oppression and terrorist acts. They are now engaged with the government, they can see the peace dividend and take part in the rebuilding of the nation. We want the people to decide their future through good governance,” the President added.

The President thanked the US government for its support to SNA and the rebuilding a professional army in Somalia that can bring peace and stability while upholding the rule of law.

The President encouraged the SNA to continue with its recent successes and to eliminate the threat posed by Al-Shabaab. ‘That way the government can implement its plans such as the stabilization process, the review of the constitution and the implementation of the democratization process so that we can hold fair and free elections by 2016,” the President explained.

The President spoke more on the Stabilization Plan: "Our plan is to provide humanitarian assistance as soon as a city or town is liberated, to establish temporary Administrations, to establish security, judiciary services, provide basic services, begin the reconciliation process, provide good governance and ultimately implement the democratization process so that the people can decide their own future.”

He also addressed Al-Shabaab itself: " We provide opportunities for those in al-Shabaab who are willing to renounce violence and take part in the peace process and the building of the nation. We welcome them and will provide alternative livelihoods so that they can be a useful member of Somali society.”

The President re-iterated his vision to hold fair and free elections by 2016.

Speaking on recent security crackdown in Nairobi, the President said, "I spoke to President Uhuru Kenyatta and we agreed the importance of protecting Somalis in Kenya and to respect their human rights and dignity. The government will continue to support its citizens around the globe and to provide assistance to bring home those who are willing to return voluntarily so that they can take part in the rebuilding of the nation.” END

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