Former PM Farmajo wins Somalia vote

Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, a former prime minister, has been sworn in as Somalia's new president.

New Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo celebrates winning the election and taking office in Mogadishu, Somalia Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017.

New Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo celebrates winning the election and taking office in Mogadishu, Somalia Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017. Source: AAP

Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, a US-educated former prime minister, has been sworn in as Somalia's new president after lawmakers gave him an unassailable lead in the second round of an election in Mogadishu's secure airport compound.

Celebratory gunfire erupted across the city at his victory on Wednesday.

Outgoing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud conceded defeat as it became clear he could not win a third round.

"This is a victory for Somalia and the Somalis," Farmajo told lawmakers who had gathered in a hall behind the airport's blast walls to vote. He was sworn in moments earlier.


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Source: AAP



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