Washington, U.S.A. — The United States congratulates Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud on winning the support of Parliament and becoming Somalia’s new president, and the Somali people for completing this momentous political transition. Their vote represents an important milestone for the people of Somalia, and a crucial step forward along the path of building a representative government.

With leadership comes tremendous responsibility. The United States calls on Somalia’s leaders to usher in a new era of governance that is responsive, representative, and accountable. We encourage President Hassan and all members of Parliament to be inclusive and collaborative, and to build on today’s vote by continuing to strengthen democratic institutions, improving stability and security, and bringing tangible improvements to the lives of Somalia’s citizens.

The United States stands with the people of Somalia during this historic moment, and will continue to be a committed partner moving forward. Their achievement would not have been possible without the contributions of the African Union, United Nations, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and regional stakeholders. While today’s vote marks the end of the transition period, much work remains to be done. The United States calls on the international community to reaffirm its commitment to Somalia, and to help realize a more secure and prosperous future for the Somali people.

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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Jean Ping, welcomes the successful completion of the presidential election in Somalia, which was held in a transparent and fair manner. He congratulates Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on his election as the new President of the Federal Republic of Somalia. He also commends 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.

The Chairperson of the Commission notes that yesterday’s election, following the adoption of a new interim Constitution and the selection of a new Parliament, marks the conclusion of the transition. It therefore ushered in a new chapter in the history of Somalia.

While commending all the Somali stakeholders and people for the maturity and commitment they have displayed over the past few weeks to complete the transition, in difficult circumstances, he urges them to remain steadfast and to continue to be driven by the higher interests of their country, in order to overcome the many challenges that lie ahead. He calls on them to build on the significant results thus 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.

The Chairperson of the Commission wishes to assure the Somali stakeholders and people of the AU’s continued support in their efforts. In particular, 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. He acknowledges the critical role that the region, in particular IGAD and the East.

African Community, and the rest of the international community, notably the United Nations, the European Union, the League of Arab States, as well as the United States and other bilateral partners, have played in the results achieved so far. He calls on the AU member states and partners alike to remain actively engaged and to enhance their assistance to Somalia to enable it meet the even more demanding and complex tasks ahead.

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Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Dr Jean Ping, welcomes the recent encouraging developments in Somalia. In particular, the Chairperson lauded the grassroots approach to participatory democracy leading to the ongoing selection of members of Parliament through the exemplary and coordinated efforts of the Traditional Elders, the Technical Selection Committee and the International Observers.

Twenty one years after the country fell into conflict, the National Constituent Assembly (NCA) chosen by 135 Traditional Leaders adopted, on 1 August, a new Constitution and on 20 August, a new Federal Parliament was inaugurated, thereby paving the way for ending the Transition, and for opening the first legislature to be formed inside Somalia since 1991. These developments constitute a significant milestone for the people of Somalia.

The security situation across south central Somalia has notably continued to improve, thanks to the multi‐pronged operations being carried out by the Somalia National Security Forces (NSF) and their allies, with the support of AMISOM and the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF).

As Somalia continues on this path of progress, further work needs to be done. The Traditional Elders and the Technical Selection Committee must complete the important and urgent task of vetting and appointing the remaining members of Parliament.

The Chairperson, noting the impending election of the Speaker of Parliament and the Deputies, scheduled for Sunday, 26th August 2012, encouraged Parliament to stand by the timetable and put in place all procedures and committees necessary for a speedy, fair and transparent election culminating in the election of the President of the country.

The African Union remains concerned that the process to end the Transition continues to be jeopardized by individuals determined to maintain Somalia in a state of chaos. As we approach the very last milestones of the roadmap, any attempt to derail this process will be unacceptable. Recalling the joint statements of 1 May 2012 and 9 August 2012 of the AU, IGAD and the UN, issuing a last warning to those undermining the process, the Chairperson underlined the readiness of the African Union, working closely with its partners, to take measures against spoilers.

The Chairperson takes this opportunity to reaffirm the African Union’s commitment to continue supporting the country’s peace and reconciliation process. To this end, the African Union will continue to work closely with IGAD, the UN and other international partners. Equally, the African Union will stand shoulder to shoulder with the Somali people in this last phase of ending the Transition and as they open a new chapter in their long struggle for greater stability.

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