The New Sheikh Sharif set to Race for Somali Presidency

By Ahmed Abdihadi

Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed announced on Monday in the Somali capital Mogadishu his candidacy to Somali presidency in this year’s general elections.

After four year in abroad, which he dedicated learning leadership and foreign languages [English], Sharif told large cheering audience- mainly his supporters that he is back with new “Blood and vigor”.

After hours of Somali classic songs, traditional plays and key speeches from clan elders, religious scholars, women, and youth Sharif stood there with one of his wives.

It was not coincidence that it was the same podium he stood four years ago when he campaigned for second term.  A dream that did not come true. This time, though, faces were missing and new faces were starring.

As usual, Sharif at the begging captivated the audience with his eloquence.  Today, though, the foreign expressions in his speech were not Arabic, rather “Technocratic”. Did the man’s orientations changed to 180 degree?  “When I became a president in 2008, I was less experienced and the country  were in complete anarchy, now, I gained more experience, if you bestow me the leadership of the country again, I will use the power of “Technocrats” to fix the country’s problems” said Sharif.

He proceeded to read his political manifesto:

Security “To be honest, without security no progress can be accomplished, therefore, I will try my best to build strong security sector”

           Security

-          Equip security workers with complete package

-          Invest the secret service both with capital and human .

-          Reinstate Somali National Army by training, by upgrading and by readiness.

-          Uproot Alshabab and Alqaeda.

Economic plan

-encourage small and middle scale industries &businesses

-attract international investment

-building infrastructure

-Reform financial sector  

Health

-Standardize Health facilities in the country

-taking health service to rural areas

International Relations and Diplomacy

-          -utilize international help

-        -  Narrow down the gap between International partners and Somalia.

-         - Reform Somali foreign policy

-          -Expand cooperation sectors with international community

Somali Unity

-      -Address Somaliland question by honest negotiations 

   -  Comprehensive national reconciliations

-     -Restating Federal Government and regional states status

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