President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to deliver Somalia’s national statement at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he is expected to outline the country’s recent political, security and economic developments.
The 81st General Assembly session is currently holding its high-level week in New York, with the general debate taking place from September 22 to 28 under the theme, “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”
According to Somalia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, President Hassan Sheikh’s agenda during the General Assembly includes development, investment and countering extremism in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.
His speech is also expected to highlight the government’s progress in state-building, economic reforms, democratic development and the implementation of direct elections. The Somali National News Agency previously reported that the President would address the Assembly on these areas, as well as efforts to counter international terrorism.
Security is expected to be another major focus of the address, particularly the Somali government’s campaign against Al-Shabaab and preparations for Somali security forces to assume greater responsibility for the country’s security.
President Hassan Sheikh is also expected to reaffirm Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity amid continuing political discussions inside the country.
His appearance at the General Assembly comes as Somalia remains engaged in domestic political discussions over the electoral process. The Federal Government and opposition figures have been under pressure to reach an agreement on outstanding disagreements concerning the country’s political and electoral arrangements.
The President’s address will place Somalia’s domestic political and security developments before an international audience at a time when the UN General Assembly is discussing wider questions of peace and security, development and international cooperation.
Mustaqbal
