Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Gregory W. Meeks and Michael McCaul, Chair and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Representatives Karen Bass and Chris Smith, Chair and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Global Human Rights, issued the following statement on the results of the May 15 presidential selection process in Somalia: 

“We congratulate Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on his election as the next President of Somalia, and we are encouraged by former President Farmaajo’s stated commitment to a peaceful transition of power.  Despite the election being long overdue and falling short of the envisioned ‘one person one vote’ model – the May 15 selection process is an important, positive step along Somalia’s long road towards improved governance, political inclusion and, eventually, establishing a true representative democracy.  

"We urge President Hassan to prioritize implementation of key economic, security, and governance reforms, combat terrorism and terrorist recruitment, and develop a timeline and benchmarks that outline Somalia’s path to democracy.  The United States stands with the people of Somalia in their aspiration to create a stable, democratic, and prosperous country.” 

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