By JACOB KUBEKA –
Four international organisations said on Sunday they were deeply worried about the implication of the ongoing political stalemate in Somalia, noting that the situation was impacting negatively on peace, security, stability, and prosperity in Somalia and beyond.
Specifically, the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the United Nations (UN), in a joint statement, expressed concern over the holding of delayed elections, and the continuing impasse in dialogue between the Federal Government and some Federal Member State leaders.
The four agencies, therefore, called on Somali political leaders to continue the progress made in state-building and inclusive politics, especially elections and peaceful transition of power.
They appealed to the country’s leaders to deliver today on the vital interests of the Somali people for peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections.
President Hassan Sheik Mohamud
The virtual meeting also urged all Somali leaders to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any actions that could lead to an escalation of tensions.
They reiterated their respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and unity of Somalia.
They also called upon Somali leaders to prioritise the national interest of Somalia and immediately return to dialogue to seek compromise on the outstanding issues.
The international organisations urged the Somali leaders to ensure that no actions were capable of undermining the stability of Somalia were taken, which is critical to the maintenance of international peace and security.
While stating that the Sept. 17 Agreement remained the most viable path towards the holding of elections in the shortest delay possible, they urged the Federal Government and the Federal Member State leaders to review and validate the Feb. 16, 2021 Baidoa Technical Committee recommendations and seek agreement through compromise on any outstanding issues necessary for rapid electoral implementation.
Commending the international partners for facilitating communication between Somali leaders, they called on the partners to strengthen engagements and identify, if needed, new ways of supporting a return to dialogue among the political stakeholders in the country
They also reaffirmed the decision not to support any parallel process, partial elections, or new initiatives leading to any extension of prior mandates. (With additional report by Xinhua/NAN)
