Roundup: AU, IGAD congratulate Somalia's president-elect, Somalis for democratic, credible elections

The African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have congratulated Mohammed Abdullahi Mohamed for winning Somalia's presidential elections held on Wednesday.

Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, the outgoing Chairperson of the AU Commission, has congratulated the Somalia President-Elect, Mohamed Abdullahi "Farmajo", for his election as the next President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, said an AU statement on Thursday.

Dlamini Zuma has commended the incumbent president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, for his service to his nation and for gracefully accepting the election outcome in a manner that exemplifies good statesmanship.

The outgoing chairperson has equally lauded the Somali people for exercising their democratic rights and applauded the commendable work of the Independent Electoral Teams at the federal and state level managing the highly contested Presidential and Parliamentary elections amid attempts by terrorists to discredit and disrupt the electoral process, according to the statement.

She has acknowledged and appreciated the resilience of Somalis as they defied all odds and fully supported and facilitated the electoral process, which will serve as a catalyst to tackle the numerous priorities including security, the ongoing drought, reform of the security sector, acceleration of the constitutional review, consolidation of the federal member states, reconciliation and resolution of many local conflicts around the country.

She also paid tribute to AMISOM and Somali security forces for protecting electoral sites around the country and for fulfilling an arduous job in very difficult circumstances.

"This is a clear testimony of the determination, professionalism and effectiveness of the security strategy that have been implemented during this electoral process," she said.

She has reaffirmed AU's commitment to work with the leaders and people of Somalia as they embark on the huge task of rebuilding their country.

Meanwhile, in his congratulatory message to the president-elect, the IGAD Executive Secretary, Mahboub Maalim, has expressed his happiness to see a successful election process, which endowed the people of Somalia with a democratically elected leader, said a statement from the East African bloc on Thursday.

"Your victory with a large majority fills us with immense joy and we take this opportunity to congratulate you on your well-deserved success," said Maalim.

"We believe that your commitment and dedication will help Somalia achieve the peace, stability and prosperity that the people of Somalia have longed for and desired. We commend Somalia for the efforts and commitment, despite the numerous challenges, towards holding historic free and fair general elections," he said.

IGAD and Somalia's development partners have played an important role in providing political, financial, technical and logistical support towards the peace, security and political development of the country including the electoral processes, he said.

"We are looking forward to continued cooperation and collaboration with the president-elect and government. IGAD also would like to congratulate the people of Somalia for the successful conclusion of the national electoral process, as well as the outgoing president for his exemplary leadership during his tenure."

IGAD reassures its commitment to the people and government of Somalia and its other member states of its support for a secure, peaceful and integrated region and continent, said the Executive Secretary. Endit