Time For International Community to Act Practically, Somalia President Urges

Somalia President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed urged the international community to act practically on its pledges to Somalia.

In an interview with VOA Somali Service, President Ahmed said he has received pledges following various meeting with international community in New York. He said pledges received focus on support for the government in order to be able to restore security and create an environment where people who fled the violence could return. He said it is about time those who made the pledges implement practically.

The President defended the change of premier in the government. He said the government failed to deal with security challenges in the country. He said security will be the task lying ahead for the government that will be in place.

On appointing a new Prime Minister, President Ahmed said he is in the consultation process. He said he will appoint, "someone with a knowledge, proven ability and loyality”. He said he will announce the appointment once he returns to the country.