Seikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmad
the new President of Somalia
Jan 31, 2009
DJIBOUTI CITY, Djibouti Jan 31 (Garowe Online) - The newly elected president of Somalia's 'unity government' was sworn-in Saturday in a ceremony attended by international diplomats, Radio Garowe reports.
Sheikh Sharif Ahmed took the oath of office in Djibouti City, where Somali peace talks ended yesterday after he was elected president by an expanded parliament that included Islamists.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at Hotel Kempinski, with diplomats from the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, the Arab League watching as Sheikh Sharif swore on the Qur'an, Islam' s holy book.
Somalia's new president addressed the gathering afterwards, promising to lead the Horn of Africa country out of chaos and in a new direction.
He thanked the international community for its support during the peace process, while calling for peaceful relations with neighboring countries like Ethiopia.
President Sheikh Sharif vowed to take strong action against pirates, saying: "I ask for the Somali people’s help as I take on this big responsibility."
He spoke at length about Somali reconciliation, restoring security and strengthening international cooperation.
The new government is mandated to work during a transitional two-year period, as it attempts to retake control of the capital Mogadishu, much of which was seized by Islamist rebels after Ethiopian troops withdrew last month.
Sheikh Sharif's new government faces colossal challenges and the government's performance will largely depend on foreign support.
Two self-governing regions in the north – Somaliland and Puntland – have rejected the Djibouti peace process altogether, while the Al Shabaab guerrillas who are dominant in southern Somalia say the war will continue until Islamic law is restored.
Celebrations erupted in parts of Somalia, including Mogadishu, Middle Shabelle and Hiran regions. Hundreds of supporters cheered Sheikh Sharif's victory.
Source: Garowe Online
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