UN, regional leaders congratulate Somalia's new president

MOGADISHU, Somalia

The UN and Somalia's neighbors on Monday congratulated Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the new president of the Horn of Africa country, announcing their commitment to work with the new administration.

Mohamud was elected president on Sunday with 214 parliamentary votes, defeating outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed.

In a statement, the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) said the UN "looks forward to working with him and his team to advance national priorities, such as peace, security and stability, in the coming years."

Ismail Omar Guelleh, president of the small coastal country of Djibouti, which borders Somalia, called the election a testament to the resilience of Somali institutions and a historic moment for all Somalis.

"May Allah Almighty assist him in the great task ahead," Guelleh said on Twitter.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, a close friend of the outgoing president, also sent a congratulatory message saying he looks forward to working closely with the new president on "common bilateral and regional interests."

The African Union, which has a peacekeeping mission in Somalia, also congratulated the president elect.

In a statement, African Union Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat hailed the Somali presidential election as “historic.”

"The Chairperson commends the outgoing President, H.E. Mohamed Abdullahi ‘Farmaajo’ for demonstrating strong leadership and statesmanship through his gracious acceptance of the election outcome," he said.

Mahamat also praised lawmakers for "their high display of patriotism through the orderly conduct of the elections, while recognizing the crucial role played by the Somali Security Forces and AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to guarantee security for the entire election process."

The AU chief reiterated continued African Union support for Somalia’s efforts to deepen democratic governance, promote national reconciliation, and restore peace, stability, and security.