Kenya congratulates Somalia’s Jubaland president on his reelection

NAIROBI, Kenya – The Government of Kenya has extended congratulations to the president of Somalia’s southern Jubaland State, Ahmed Madobe for his re-election victory, Garowe Online reports.

In a statement obtained by Garowe Online, Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Friday the election of Madobe as the state president for the third term shows that peaceful and credible elections can indeed be held in Somalia.

President Ahmed Madobe has been declared the winner of the August 22 election in Kismayo city by a landslide, granting him to lead the Somali Federal State for the next 4 years.

“Kenya shares with the great people of Jubaland the joy of a peaceful electoral process, a demonstration of a strong and unwavering will of the people of to determine their governance and guarantee their security and political stability, even in the face of extreme pressure,” the ministry said.

The statement further pointed out that Kenya still remains ready to support Jubaland and called on the new leadership to work closely with the Federal Government of Somalia and “dissenting opinions.

Madobe was urged to usher in a new era of reconciliation to end the political differences that resulted from the process of the parliamentary and presidential elections held in Kismayo last week.

The 58-year-old who was first elected Jubaland President in May 2013 has garnered 56 out of 76 votes cast in the Jubaland State Assembly, his closest challenger – Anab Mohamed Dahir – garnering 17 votes.

For the past 10 years, Jubaland has been a key ally to Kenya in the fighting against Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia since it locates on the border between the two neighboring countries.

GAROWE ONLINE