The African Union has welcomed the new Somali President Hassan sheik Mohamud. In a press release on Sept.11, the Chairperson of the Commission of the AU, Jean Ping, commended the manner in which the elections were held.
He said they were transparent and fair and commended the outgoing president, Sheikh Shariff Ahmed, for having gracefully conceded defeat and for his significant contribution to the peace and reconciliation process in his country.
Ping urged the Somalis to remain steadfast and to continue to be driven by the higher interests of their country, in order to overcome the many challenges ahead. He called on them to build on the significant results achieved and the progress that continues to be made on the ground by the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the Somali forces to further the peace and reconciliation process.
He assured the Somali stakeholders and people of the AU's continued support. In particular, he said, the AU through AMISOM, will continue to work towards the improvement of the security situation and the extension of State authority, the building of strong and effective Somali security forces and the reconstruction of the country.









