Arab League welcomes President Farmajo’s election, pledges support

The Arab League has lauded Somalia for electing a new president and pledged its support to the Horn of Africa country.

In a statement Thursday, Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said the election of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo completed the formation of all organs of the state after a four month process.

Gheit noted the electoral process in Somalia which started October last year and culminated in the election of a new president was a step forward in building a democratic, secure and stable Somalia.

The Secretary General also thanked former president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for the good work he did for the last four years and also saluted him for accepting the electoral result. The Arab League sent an observer team for both presidential and parliamentary elections.

The Arab League, Gheit said through spokesman Mohamed Afifi will stand by Somalia and pledged the bloc’s support for the country.

Somalia joined the Araba League in 1974, becoming the first non-Arab member of that organization.