Kinshasa, April 20th, 2021 (CPA) – The President of the Republic and current President of the African Union (AU), Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, on Monday assured his Somali counterpart Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed of the support of AU and its readiness to support internal dialogue and the search for peace and security for the well-being of the Somali people.
The Head of State Felix Tshisekedi said so, in a statement he made to the press, at the end of a working session he had on Monday, with his Somali counterpart, in the city of AU, in Kinshasa.
While acknowledging that there has been progress in Somalia, President Felix Tshisekedi urged his Somali counterpart to continue the internal dialogue with all social currents so as to achieve peace and stability in his country.
According to Felix Tshisekedi, their talks also revolved around the bilateral cooperation he intends to strengthen with DRC.
« There were good connections at the time of Zaire at the level of the leaderships of two countries », he recalled, before acknowledging that Somalia is a country which has suffered enormously from the throes of war.
Support for the electoral process
Earlier, the Somali President had, in his statement to the press, requested AU support for the electoral process. According to him, the designed process will help to create confidence and hope.
“I ask you, as President of AU, to support the process that can lead us to credible elections in our country. The AU will help us rebuild confidence”, he said.
According to President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, Somalia is ready to hold the elections. He noted progress in his country in several areas. It was in this context that he announced the organization of elections to allow Somalis to freely choose their leaders. AU involvement is expected to support dialogue between political parties and other socio-political forces in Somalia.
“In Somalia we are determined to choose a government by the people for the people that will be recognized globally. May AU help us in the facilitation, support us in elections that can be held peacefully within the deadline”, he said.
Welcomes the progress made in DRC
The Somali President praised the progress made in DRC since the civilized handover of power. He congratulated the Head of State Felix Tshisekedi for his efforts for the well-being of the Congolese people.
« DRC has taken a clear direction in the democratic and peaceful process of a state », he said.
While appreciating the leadership of President Felix Tshisekedi, he also made a rapprochement between Kinshasa and Mogadishu.
“These are two countries that have similar problems, especially security. And together, they can find solutions by combining efforts”, he added, before wishing for the restoration in the very near future of bilateral relations between Somalia and DRC.
He expressed the wish to promote trade as well as economic exchanges for the benefit of two peoples. He also said his country is ready to accompany him in his term of office as AU Presidency.
« The Somali people would like to congratulate you on the great role you play as AU President and the Somalis assure you of their full support for your policy for Africa », he said.
The guest of the Head of State affirmed that he is eager to continue the discussions in order to achieve good diplomatic relations between DRC and Somalia, while reiterating his support for the AU to achieve the objectives contained in 2063 agenda which sets out the vision of the Pan-African organization.
The President of the Republic of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, who arrived in the middle of the night on Monday, in Kinshasa, was greeted at N’Djili international airport by the Minister of State, outgoing Minister in charge of Foreign Affairs, DRC Marie Tumba Nzeza.
He was accompanied in particular by his Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Oil. ACP/