Buhari congratulates new Somali President

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the newly elected Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mahmud, “for successfully staging a comeback after being unseated in 2017.” The President, in a statement issued Tuesday by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, said the re-election of Hassan Mahmud was a significant indication that the people of Somalia appreciated his efforts to unite […]

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the newly elected Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mahmud, “for successfully staging a comeback after being unseated in 2017.”

The President, in a statement issued Tuesday by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, said the re-election of Hassan Mahmud was a significant indication that the people of Somalia appreciated his efforts to unite and rebuild the country after decades of civil war and terrorist activities.

According to him, “President Mahmud’s return to power is a resounding vote of confidence in his ability and leadership skills, which he had demonstrated while he was previously in power, but most importantly signifies that Somalians are committed to a democratic process.”

President Buhari, therefore, urged other political parties and leaders in the country to unite and rally round President Mahmud in the difficult task of rebuilding Somalia from the ruins of war and terrorist devastations.

He also commended the out-going president, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo, for his swift acceptance which inevitably will lead to a peaceful transition in the best interest of the people.

President Buhari, who reassured the new Somali leader that “Nigeria will continue its usual support for peace keeping efforts in Somalia”, added that “African countries must unite against terrorists and other evil forces seeking to disrupt and destroy our territories.”