Somalia president begins visit to regional states

Lafta-Garen who has been a strong Farmajo ally is now facing uncertainty after a new change of a leadership at Villa Somalia in Mogadishu.

News Keydmedia Online
31 May 2022

BAIDOA, Somalia - A high-level delegation led by new president Hassan Sheikh has touched down at Baidoa airport on Tuesday in his maiden domestic trip to the Southwest State of Somalia.

Southwest state leader Abdulaziz Lafta-Garen, Farmajo's close ally has accorded a warm welcome to the president at the airport before heading to the regional presidential palace.

The city's overall security has been beefed up by Somali and Ethiopian soldiers ahead of the president's arrival on Tuesday. The trip marks the first by the new leader to a Federal State in Somalia.

The trip focuses on security, drought, and political situation in the country as the newly elected leader promised a reconciliation which is part of his motto: Somalia at peace with itself and the world."

Somalia is currently facing its worst drought in 40 years which could turn into famine if the aid fails and delays to reach the people in dire need of help who are witnessing severe food shortages.

According to UN estimates, the drought has affected more than 6.1 million people in Somalia, and the malnourished children began to die of hunger and thirst in some parts of the country.

Hassan Sheikh's government has a daunting task to deal with the numerous crisis, including the Al-Shabaab threat and drought in the country which has been in conflict for three decades.

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