Mogadishu, Somalia – In a significant announcement during his address to the People’s Assembly today, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of Somalia outlined a comprehensive plan for the nation, highlighting the lifting of the arms embargo in early December.

According to Somali National News Agency, the Somali government has outlined five key objectives to be achieved this year, divided between responsibilities that fall to the Somalis and those reliant on international support. The President emphasized that two of these objectives, namely the ongoing offensives against Al-Shabaab terrorists and the completion of the constitution, are progressing under Somali efforts. He noted that the fight against Al-Shabaab is going well and stressed the importance of finalizing the constitution by the Somali people.

The remaining three objectives, as outlined by President Mohamud, involve significant international cooperation. He expressed satisfaction over Somalia’s recent admission into the East African Community (EAC) following a unanimous vote that expanded the group from seven to eight nations. Additionally, the President highlighted two crucial international supports scheduled for December: the lifting of the arms embargo and debt relief for Somalia. He shared that on December 13, Somalia is set to receive debt relief, marking a major milestone for the country’s economic recovery.

President Mohamud’s speech reflects Somalia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its domestic security and governance while actively engaging with the international community to support its broader goals.