New President of Somalia inaugurated in Mogadishu

ADDIS ABABA- The newly elected president of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has been inaugurated in the capital, Mogadishu.

The ceremony was attended by regional leaders, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, and Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh as well as representatives from the UAE, Türkiye, Uganda, South Sudan, Egypt and Western countries.

In his inauguration speech, President Mohamud said his main priority was to work for peace across Somalia, according to media reports.

Mohamud also said that he would also consult with the two previous presidents, who he beat in the elections last month.

Somalia is facing daunting security challenges, including a devastating drought one of the worst droughts in 40 years.

The president blamed the drought on climate change and appealed for support to avert famine.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Ethiopian prime minister and Kenyan president praised the peaceful transfer of power in Somalia and pledged to work with the new government.

Featured Image caption: Prime minister Abiy was among those to attend the inauguration of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (left) [Photo PMoE]