US welcomes Somalia’s new transition, emphasizes focus on key issues

GOOBJOOG NEWS|WASHINGTON DC: The United States has congratulated Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on his election as the president of the Federal Republic of Somalia, saying it looked forward to working closely with him and the new government.

In a statement issued by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the US also recognized the efforts of the Somali people on the conclusion of their national electoral process.

Following the successful roll-out of the electoral process, the US emphasized on the need for Somalia to focus on key issues affecting the country including, the political, economic, and security reforms necessary to advance the interests of the people of Somalia.

“We encourage President Hassan Sheikh and all of Somalia’s leaders to prioritize strengthening democratic governance and institutions; developing security forces to prevent and counter terrorism and assume full security responsibility from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia,” said Blinken.

The Secretary General also noted that the incoming administration should enact economic reforms to complete Somalia’s path to debt relief and strengthen the economy and also facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the millions of Somalis suffering from devastating drought.  

The United States further called on the President-elect to initiate reconciliation, compromise, and enhanced dialogue among all levels of government and all communities; a process that will be vital to the success of the aforementioned efforts.

Finally, the United States said it anticipated the timely formation of a new government and looked forward to partnering with Somalia’s leaders to achieve the shared goal of a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Somalia