Important progress towards stability in Somalia

“Somalia has taken an important step towards political stability and peace with the election of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the country’s new president,”  said Minister of International Development Heikki Holmås. 

This is the first time for more than twenty years that a presidential election has taken place inside Somalia, and it marks the end of a challenging transitional period. The Somali leaders have completed the transition process in a way that commands respect. 

“The Somali people deserve peace and development after so many years of war and destruction, ” continued Mr Holmås. 

“We hope this will be the start of a new era for Somalia, and call on all parties to cooperate across former dividing lines, so that national reconciliation and reconstruction of the country can be achieved.” 

With the establishment of the new constitution and federal parliament , Somalia now has the institutions it needs to build a more democratic, free and just society. 

“Norway is prepared to support Somalia as it embarks on this process,” concluded Mr Holmås.