Election of Somali president crucial step – envoy

The election on Monday of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, is a crucial step forward to the nation’s rebuilding, the Somali envoy to Rwanda said yesterday.Hassan was elected on Monday by parliament beating incumbent president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in a 190 to 79 vote. Monday’s vote marks the end of the transition period.“This election was notable for its mature and peaceful nature that resulted in the election of President Hassan. Somalia has shifted from transitional period and started a new era which represents an important milestone for the people of Somalia, and a crucial step forward along the path of building a representative government,” the Somali Ambassador to Rwanda, Cabdullani Sheikh Maxamed, said in an interview with The New Times yesterday.Addressing the need for all Somali leaders to usher in a new era of governance that is responsive and accountable, Cabdullani noted that leadership comes with tremendous responsibility.He appealed to all Somali leaders to build on Monday’s vote to strengthen democratic institutions, to improve stability and security, in order to bring tangible improvements to the lives of Somalis.Cabdullani also called on the international community to reaffirm its commitment to Somalia.“Today we all stand united regardless of our differences during this historic moment, and we will continue to be a committed to build our country and move forward,” the envoy said, commending the contributions of various players in search for peace.He appealed to Somalis to borrow a leaf from Rwanda, where he noted people put aside their bitter past of the genocide to forge unity for similar cause.In his victory speech, the newly elected President thanked all members of parliament, both those who voted for him and those who voted against him, and the Somali people as well as the international community for their support.Upon taking office, Hassan has to name within 30 days a new prime minister, who in turn will form a cabinet that will lead the country for the next four years.Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who ruled the country since 2009, said he accepted the results of the vote and will work with the new president.Sheikh Ahmed said he is asking the heads of Somalia’s armed forces, the intelligence and police to take their orders from the new president who also will be the Commander-In-Chief.A team of senior police officers from Somalia have previously been trained at the Rwanda National Police headquarters in Kigali in preventing, detecting and investigating transnational organised crimes and police command dimensions. The envoy thanked Rwanda for the offer.