East Africa welcomes PM Starmer's victory in Britain

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A host of East African leaders have welcomed the Labour Party victory in the United Kingdom, following a historic election which handed Conservatives a huge defeat, losing the grip of the country for the first time in over a decade.

Keir Starmer is set to become Prime Minister after the Labour Party cruised to victory, winning over 400 parliamentary seats in the election. He replaces Rishi Sunak, a man with roots in Kenya, who has barely been in office under two years.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Somalia’s president, joined other leaders among them Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in conveying their heartfelt messages to the new leadership, with Britain being a major security and development partner of the region.

"Warmest congratulations to Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the historic success in the UK elections. I look forward to working together to strengthen our longstanding strategic partnership underpinned by shared values and mutual interests," he said.

"Congratulations Keir Starmer on your election as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Wishing you a successful term and look forward to further enhancing relations between our two countries," added Abiy Ahmed.

Ruto, who is fresh from deadly protests in Kenya, said the victory will enhance close bilateral relations with the country, adding that Kenya will be keen to have defence and security ties with the United Kingdom.

"His election is testimony to the deep yearning of the citizens of the United Kingdom for progressive politics and policies embodied by the Labour Party," he said.

"I stand ready to work with Prime Minister Starmer to foster our bilateral commercial, defence and political cooperation while contributing together towards building a safer, equitable and sustainable global future."

GAROWE ONLINE