By Mohamed Abdi Mohamed (Gacnacadde)

As a proud Somali-American, I am offering my unequivocal support for the new government of Somalia headed by President Abdullahi Yussuf and Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Ghedi.

I gladly offer this support because I recognize that today my homeland is at the crossroads of hope and tragedy. For 13 years Somalia has suffered from a civil war and famine. The toll has been severe. In the absence of a central government, hundreds of thousands of Somalis have lost their lives.

For the last two years dedicated Somalis and supporters from around the world, particularly the Kenyan government, have worked diligently to provide a new era of hope for Somalia. Now is the time for us to show our support for this effort. Yet if the people fail to support the new government, I fear that our darkest days may yet be to come.

Let me be clear -- at stake is nothing short of the peace and stability of Somalia for generations to come. That is why the international community has spoken with one voice in its support for the new Somali government’s agenda for unifying the country. I believe that the new government announced by Prime Minister Ghedi this week is our best hope for a future where conflict is replaced with reconciliation.

At this critical moment in history, I call for all Somalis around the world to join the international community in support of the new Somali government. There is no alternative but to give the president and prime minister a chance to succeed.

Mohamed Abdi Mohamed (Gacnacadde)
Washington D.C.