President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud Silanyo congratulated Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday, on his re-election victory.
Kenyatta was declared the winner of Kenya’s Presidential Election on Saturday, after beating veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga in the first round with more than 54% of the vote. Odinga refused to concede defeat, calling the election ‘fictitious’ and ‘fake’ and is pledging to challenge the results.
Many Somalilanders were hoping for an Odinga Presidency, due Odinga’s stance on Somaliland recognition. Odinga has been a long-time supporter of Somaliland recognition and promised to recognize Somaliland if he becomes President, during a 2016 speech at Chatham House.
In the congratulatory letter, President Silanyo told that he hopes Kenyatta will strengthen friendly relations between the two nations during his second term.
Below, the congratulatory message issued by President Silanyo’s office.
Date: 12.08.2017
H.E. UHURU KENYATTA,
The President re-elect of the Republic of Kenya.
Your Excellency,
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Somaliland and its people, I wish to extend to you our heartfelt congratulations on your re-election as the President of the Republic of Kenya.
Your election demonstrates the confidence that the Kenyan people have in your leadership. It is my hope that during your second term in office, we shall continue to work together towards strengthening the friendly relations between our two nations. Within the region of Horn of Africa, we will continue to enhance peace, progress, and democracy.
Mr. President, please accept my sincere wishes for the success of your administration, for the personal well-being of yourself and your family and for the peace and prosperity of your people and country.
Yours sincerely,
H.E. Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo,
The President of the Republic of Somaliland
