Somalia’s Parliament has elected Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as a new president of the country.
International community say is the selection of a new leader Somalis is a key step toward Somalia’s political transition process.
Reports say Hassan Sheikh Mohamud a political newcomer won the election against outgoing President Sheik Sharif Sheikh Ahmed by the legislative vote of 190 to 79.
In 2011, Mohamud reportedly organized a new political party in Somalia named Peace and Development.
Today, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon hailed the selection of a new president for Somalia.
Mr. Ban says the selection of the new President brings an end to the eight-year political transition.
In addition, Mr. Ban congratulates the New Federal Parliament and its Speaker for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the process.
Mr. Ban reportedly is looking forward to the upcoming high-level meeting on Somalia in the margins of the General Assembly later this month. He says it will be “an opportunity for Somalia’s new leadership to consolidate the partnership with the international community.”
In addition, the United States of America today congratulated President Hassan Sheikh and the Somali people on yesterday’s election.
In her remarks at Washington DC, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton commends former President Sheikh Sharif for his humility in conceding the election.
She states that the election of a New Federal Parliament and Speaker, the national constituent assembly’s adoption of a provisional constitution, and the election of a new president, Somalia has completed its political transition.
“This significant achievement is the result of years of hard work – by Somalis and the international community.” -Ms. Clinton
She thanked the African Union, the United Nations, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development for their critical contributions.
The US also applauds that these steps toward a responsive, representative and accountable government and Hassan Sheikh’s commitment to inclusive governance.
However, Ms. Clinton pointed out that there is still more work to be done.
Ms. Clinton states that the United States calls on Somalia’s new leaders to continue the reform effort and to work together to create a better future.
“We are committed to helping the new government strengthen democratic institutions, improve stability and security, and deliver results for the Somali people.” -Ms. Clinton
In August this year, Somalia’s National Constitutional Assembly has approved a Provisional Constitution in historic vote on Wednesday.
Reports say the approval of the new constitution is a key milestone towards ending the country’s current transitional period.
Delegates to the Somalia’s National Constituent Assembly is a 825-member constituent assembly, with delegates representing Somali clans and civil society.
The leaders reportedly debated the constitution for nine days and approved the constitution with 621 for, 13 against and 11 abstained from voting.
The National Constituent Assembly represented the diverse concerns of the nation as it reviewed and ultimately approved the Provisional Constitution.
Despite significant logistical difficulties, political pressure, death threats, and two attacks on the National Constituent Assembly venue, this vote affirms that the Somali people will not be intimidated by violence as they work to rebuild their country, Ms. Clinton highlighted.
Somalia has been in constant wars for past two past decades since the collapse of the Somali state in January 21, 1991. Millions of lives were lost and countless number of people had been internally displaced.
Somalia is the country worst affected by a severe drought that has ravaged large swaths of the Horn of Africa, leaving an estimated 11 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.
