MOGADISHU (SD) -The president of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, delivered a speech today at the Presidential Mosque addressing the recent tensions arising from the constitutional amendments.

The President, who is still pursuing his constitutional agenda, first acknowledged the delay in the constitutional process, attributing it to years of political turmoil and lack of consensus.

He responded to previous criticisms from opposition leaders regarding the constitutional changes, arguing that they have the responsibility to participate in the constitutional process as elected members of the Federal Parliament.

He also said that the new system to change the structure of the government came as a suggestion from the regional states.

President Hassan also emphasized the challenges encountered while implementing the Federal Government’s constitutional agenda and the resistance faced by opposing factions, whom he accused of squandering millions of dollars allocated for development projects.