Posted by: Khalid Yussuf Mogadishu, Somalia — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has officially opened the eighth session of the Federal Parliament, following a joint sitting of members of the House of the People and the Senate at Villa Hargeisa. The president also spoke at length about the country’s overall situation, saying the government was continuing its efforts to strengthen security, stability and development. According to the president, Somali armed forces have been at the forefront of the military campaign, with support from the Somali public. President Hassan Sheikh also highlighted what he described as progress in Somalia’s democratic transition. The opening of the parliamentary session comes as Somalia continues to face major security and political challenges, alongside efforts by the government to consolidate state institutions and advance its democratic transition.