Addis Ababa, 27 May 2013 – The President of the Federal Republic of Somalia attending the 21^st African Union Summit in Addis Ababa says Mogadishu and its faultless coastline was the African Riviera.

The President of Somalia took part the historic Jubilee celebration of the Organization of the African Union (OAU) with his fellow Heads of State of Africa. The President welcomed and congratulated his newest brother, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, of becoming the fourth President of Kenya who has joined the esteemed institution of the African Union (AU).

The President talking about the history of Somalia stated “Somalia has been at the heart of the African Union since its inauguration. As one of the founding fathers, we are proud to stand here today emerging from decades of trauma, supported by you all. This is the spirit of the African Union today; a community of nations who stand side by side during difficult times to find our own solutions to our problems.

The President also said that we need to learn lessons from the last half century and stated “ It is a time to reflect on the colonial era that conceived and delivered the AU, to learn the lessons of the first few decades of post colonial African independence that formed our early years; to celebrate the achievements of this continent and the cooperation and support that we give each other, and to mourn the loss of so many of our people in our various struggles over the years. But most importantly, it is time to look forward over the next 50 years and set a course to develop the continent that was so richly deserve. We have a continent of unrivalled beauty and natural resources, and a thriving population with energy and untapped ideas. We have the potential to make the 21^st century Africa’s century.”

The President thanked AMISOM contribution troop countries and Ethiopia for their illustration of African unity and solidarity. The ultimate sacrifice that has been laid down for peace in Somalia will be honoured and must never be forgotten.

The President added that “ Nowhere says Pan-Africanism ad African Renaissance like Somalia does! Somalia will be the shining example of African cooperation and support and our renaissance will be a beacon of hope for African renaissance. We will show the world that no problem is insurmountable.

39 years ago, Mogadishu built the fabulous “African Village” in Hodan district to host the AU Summit of 1974, under the Chairmanship of former President Siad Barre. In 2011, African troops from recovered it in battle from the hands of oppression and I can think of nothing better than to rebuild it in hour of those brave soldiers and the African Union.”

The President of Somalia has been in Addis Ababa since 23^rd May to attend Heads of State of IGAD countries, the jubilee celebrations and the 21^st Ordinary AU Summit.

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Abdirahman Omar Osman (Eng. Yarisow)

Senior Advisor & Spokesperson to the Office of the President

engabdirahman@gmail.com, media@presidency.gov.so