Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in his address to the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly “UNGA 80” in New York, called for urgent action to stop Israeli violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
He expressed his country’s deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian people.
Call for a Ceasefire and Humanitarian Access
President Mohamud stressed that the ongoing violence, displacement, and deprivation faced by Palestinians in the occupied territories, including Gaza, requires a collective international response.
He urged an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and a renewed commitment to the two-state solution as the only path to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
Shocking Numbers of Victims
Since October 2023, military operations in Gaza have left tens of thousands dead and wounded, the majority of them children and women, along with a famine that has claimed hundreds of lives.
President Mohamud underlined that this tragedy demands a unified stance from the global community.
Somalia Confirms Commitment to Fighting Terrorism at UNGA 80
On another front, the Somali president reaffirmed his country’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorist groups, notably al-Shabab, affiliated with al-Qaeda, and ISIS.
He praised Somalia’s international partners for their support and commended the courage of Somali security forces in confronting these organizations, describing them as “the most dangerous terrorist groups in the world today.”
Building Sustainable National Security
President Mohamud stated that his government is fighting “brave battles” against the last pockets of international terrorism while simultaneously working to build a strong and sustainable national security infrastructure.
He pledged to continue these efforts until achieving “complete victory and harmony” in Somalia, Africa, and the wider world.
Background on Somalia’s Fight Against al-Shabab
The Somali government has been waging war for years against al-Shabab, founded in 2004 and aligned with al-Qaeda.
The group has claimed numerous attacks that killed hundreds of civilians and members of the army and police.
Since July 2022, Somali forces and clan militias have launched military operations against the group, with authorities announcing the recapture of multiple towns and the killing of hundreds of militants.
