Somalia: President Farmaajo officially takes over

Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo, the new President of Somalia officially took over the reigns at the presidency, Villa Somalia, today.

The ceremony was attended by the former president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud who handed over noted in a blue file to his successor. Farmaajo described it as a historic day for all Somali people.

The former president also symbolically received the national flag from an army official and handed it over President Farmajo.

Transition power of 2 Presidents with great dignity & enthusiasm in #Somalia today. pic.twitter.com/rL14CENQE4

— Mohamed Moalimuu (@MOALIMUU) February 16, 2017

Today I took over the office. I thank our former President Hassan Sh. Mohamud for his services to our great nation. #Somalia #Nabad & #Nolol pic.twitter.com/nQLu33MjLD

— Mohamed A. Farmaajo (@M_Farmaajo) February 16, 2017

A journalist on the ground however reported that an hour after the completion of the handing over event which was heavily attended by the press, there were mortar attacks heard around the state house.

According to Mohamed Moalimu, who is Secretary General of the National Union of Somali Journalists, 4 people including two children were killed by the mortar attacks.

The new president is a former Somali Prime, he won the presidential vote held on February 8 in a hangar at the Mogadishu international airport. He won second round of voting in which 275 parliamentarians and 54 senators cast ballots.

In a congratulatory message his predecessor, Hassan Mohamud said “History was made, we have taken this path to democracy, and now I want to congratulate Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo.’‘