(28-06-23) MOGADISHU — The President of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, vowed a resolute crackdown on theft and corruption in a fiery speech marking the occasion of Eid al-adha on Tuesday evening. He congratulated the Somali people on this auspicious festival, but quickly shifted gears to a critical issue plaguing the nation: corruption.
“The government of Somalia will not allow the modest savings of our young girls and boys to be siphoned off to build houses in Turkey or Nairobi,” he announced. He warned would-be thieves, cautioning them that their actions would not go unpunished. “Those who have robbed our nation still stand in line; be wary, don’t ally yourselves with them,” added President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
In a stirring extension of his promise, the president declared that he would not hesitate to embarrass anyone involved in stealing public funds, regardless of their position. He also sent a resounding message to traditional elders and authorities who have been known to defend individuals implicated in cases of theft and corruption.
He elaborated on the moral implications of such activities, stating, “The man who fears God has no honour if he stoops to theft. He does not deserve respect. Today, we have reached a point where some take pride in thievery, rather than work for the betterment of the nation.”
Instead, he encouraged his fellow Somalis to educate their children and contribute to their nation constructively, rather than defending those guilty of theft and corruption.
