African Union (AU), European Union (EU); The African Regional Trade Bloc, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the United Nations met on Friday, “in light of the seriousness of the ongoing political stalemate in Somalia regarding the postponement of the elections, and the continuing impasse in the dialogue between the federal government and some leaders of the federal member states.” A joint statement issued following the discussions.
The deadline for new parliamentary elections expired last December, and the presidential elections scheduled for one vote have been postponed until leaders agree on a way forward.
According to news reports, the current government led by Muhammad Abdullah Muhammad is no longer recognized by two of the five states, and his four-year presidential term formally ended before an agreement on how to hold new elections.
Respect unity
After their deliberations, the international meeting – where the United Nations was represented by the Head of Political Affairs and Peacebuilding, Rosemary DiCarlo – affirmed their respect for the “sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia” and called for an immediate return to dialogue. “Seeking a compromise on the outstanding issues, and ensuring that no measures are taken that undermine the stability of Somalia, which is crucial to the maintenance of international peace and security.”
Moreover, the African Union, the European Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the United Nations emphasized that the September 17 agreement last year, in which the president and the five regional leaders agreed on a revised electoral model, “remains the most viable path for holding elections in the shortest possible time. “.
The statement urged the government and the leaders of the federal member states to review and approve the recommendations of the Baidoa Technical Committee issued on February 16, 2021 and “seek to reach an agreement through a compromise on any outstanding issues necessary for the speedy implementation of the elections.”
The negative impact
He called on international partners to find new ways to help leaders reach an agreement, and to avoid any “parallel process, partial elections, or new initiatives that lead to any extensions of previous mandates.”
The multilateral bodies expressed grave concern that the political stalemate “negatively affects peace, security, stability and prosperity in Somalia and beyond.”
The partners called on Somali leaders to continue making progress towards state building and a more inclusive policy, particularly with regard to elections and the road to peace, as soon as possible.
.
0 Comments