AU envoy says election of new president puts Somalia on path to renewal

Somalia has a chance to forge a new beginning after peaceful election of the new President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed (Farmajo) on Feb. 8, said the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) for Somalia, Francisco Madeira.

Madeira said in a commentary published by Kenya's Daily Nation on Wednesday that election of a new president will enable Somalia to shake off its tragic past and chart a new beginning marked by peace, stability and development.

"The successful conclusion of the presidential election heralds a new dawn for a country that has been plagued by years of instability, internal strife, cyclical drought and violent extremism," said Madeira.

Abdullahi Farmajo trounced the incumbent Hassan Sheikh Mohamud after a hotly contested race to become the new president of Somalia.

His victory was cheered by Somali citizens, regional blocs and the international community who expressed confidence in his leadership skills that were tested when he served as the country's prime minister for eight months from 2010 to 2011.

The 54-year-old Farmajo holds a dual Somalia-U.S. citizenship and his reformist credentials will be crucial to restore political and economic institutions that crumbled during two and half decades of turmoil in the horn of African state.

Madeira hailed the peaceful transfer of power in Somalia against a backdrop of huge uncertainties about its future due to sectarian wars and under-development.

"Let 2017 be the year of firsts for Somalia. There is an opportunity for leaders to work together to spearhead reconciliation and national unity," Madeira remarked, adding that dialogue on resource sharing, job creation, security, women and youth empowerment will be reactivated under the new president.

Madeira who is also the head of African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) said that an end to violent conflicts and terrorism in the country is possible if grassroots leaders and ordinary citizens rally behind the new president to annihilate the twin evils.

He stressed that African Union in partnership with the international community will continue to support counter-terrorism and peace building initiatives in Somalia.

"With a new government in place, one of our key priorities with the national security forces is to intensify our offensive against terrorists. We will not relent until the war against violent extremism is won," said Madeira.

The Mozambican diplomat said the establishment of vibrant security apparatus in Somalia to deal with old and emerging threats is a key priority of the AU and its multilateral partners.

He added that the continental body will also support provision of critical services like education and health to eliminate conditions that would create a fertile ground for violent extremism to flourish inside Somalia. Endit