Statement by Secretary Clinton on the Election of New Somali President

Nairobi Arbaco 12 September 2012 SMC

Naga soo wac halkan (Skype)

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Office of the Spokesperson

______________________________________________

For Immediate Release                                          September 11, 2012                                       

2012/1420

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY CLINTON

Statement on the Election of New Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud

I want to congratulate President Hassan Sheikh and the Somali people on yesterday’s election.  I commend former President Sheikh Sharif for his humility in conceding the election.  With 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.  I especially want to thank the African Union, the United Nations, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development for their critical contributions. 

We applaud these steps toward a responsive, representative and accountable government and Hassan Sheikh’s commitment to inclusive governance.  But there is still more work to be done.  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. 

###

______________________________________________________________________

Matt Goshko

Public Affairs Officer | Somalia Affairs Unit | U.S. Embassy, Nairobi 

Office 254-20-363-6181 | Cell  254-073 360 8556 | Fax: 254-20-363-6329

GoshkoME@state.gov

Visit us at http://somalia.usvpp.gov/index.html

Naga soo wac halkan (Skype)

Somaliweyn Media Center (SMC)

contact@somaliweyn.com