President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Wednesday paid glowing tribute to the Government and people of Djibouti for their historic role in Somalia’s peace and state restoration efforts, as he addressed celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the landmark Somali Peace and Reconciliation Conference held in Arta in 2000.
In his address, President Hassan recalled his personal memories as one of the delegates who took part in the Arta peace talks, describing the event as a “turning point” in Somalia’s modern history. He praised Djibouti’s President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh for his “unwavering patience and leadership” in hosting and guiding the conference that paved the way for Somalia’s Third Republic.
“President Guelleh and the people of Djibouti did not stop at hosting the conference. They went further, standing shoulder to shoulder with their Somali brothers through the Hiil Walaal peace mission and other forms of support,” said President Hassan.
He noted that Somalia is currently fighting two global terror groups, Al-Shabaab and ISIS, but expressed confidence that the country is on the right path toward stability, development, and democratic governance.
“Arta is not just a place; it is a symbol of rebirth for the Somali nation,” he said. “Our government has made major strides in rebuilding state institutions, strengthening democracy, and moving towards one-person-one-vote elections. Somalia’s progress today is built on the foundation laid here in Arta.”
The President also honoured Somali patriots who contributed to the peace and reconciliation process, calling for unity, dialogue, and political stability to protect Somalia’s hard-won gains.
On his part, Djibouti’s President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh welcomed regional leaders attending the commemoration and reaffirmed his country’s continued support for Somalia’s peace and development.
“Djibouti will always stand by Somalia,” President Guelleh said, pledging to deepen cooperation between the two nations in pursuit of lasting peace in the Horn of Africa.