Somalia's leaders welcome non-permanent seat at UN Security Council

Banadir Mayor Yusuf Hussein Jimale led officials from the Banadir Regional Government in welcoming Somalia's status as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

In a public address at an event in the country's capital, the leaders also praised Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmud for the major role he has played in the nation's recent string of successes.

"It's only been two years of the current government's tenure but the President has done well and inspired confidence among Somali citizens and the region," said Jimale.

"During that spell, the country has secured East African Community (EAC) membership, debt relief, and now a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council."

"We have also made great strides in the foreign policy front and the country is relatively secure. Terror attacks have reduced and I can assure you Somalia is earning more and more respect from other countries, added Kahda District Commissioner Abdullahi Sheikh Abdirahman.

Non-permanent members at the UN receive seasonal invitations to grace the Annual Assembly and other meetings from where they are handed a role to influence policy and represent their interests.

The East African Community meanwhile is an eight-member block of countries which hands Somalia the right to free movement of people and goods.