The UN and international partners working to support a lasting peace and democratic election process across Somalia,
said on Sunday that they were highly concerned by the current situation there, calling on Somali leaders to “prioritize
the national interest” and resolve their political impasse.
The African Union (AU), the European Union (EU); African regional trade bloc, the Inter-Governmental Authority on
Development (IGAD,) and the United Nations, met on Friday, “in light of the gravity of the ongoing political stalemate
in Somalia over the holding of delayed elections, and the continuing impasse in dialogue between the Federal Government
and some Federal Member State leaders”, said a joint communique released following discussions.
The deadline for holding fresh parliamentary elections expired last December, and a planned one-person-one-vote
presidential election has been delayed, until leaders can agree a way forward.
According to news reports, the current Government led by Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, is no longer recognized by two of
the five states, and his four-year presidential term has officially ended prior to an agreement over how to conduct
fresh polls.Respect unity
Following their deliberations, the international meeting – where the UN was represented by Political and Peacebuilding
Affairs chief, Rosemary DiCarlo – reiterated their respect for the “sovereignty, territorial integrity, political
independence and unity of Somalia”, and called for an immediate return to dialogue, “to seek compromise on the
outstanding issues, and to ensure that no actions are taken that would undermine the stability of Somalia, which is
critical to the maintenance of international peace and security.”
The AU, EU, IGAD and the UN, furthermore underscored that the 17 September Agreement of last year, where the president
and the five regional leaders agreed a revised election model, “remains the most viable path towards the holding of
elections in the shortest delay possible”.
The communique urged the Government and the Federal Member State leaders to review and validate the 16 February 2021
Baidoa Technical Committee recommendations and “seek agreement through compromise on any outstanding issues necessary
for rapid electoral implementation”.Negative impact
It called on international partners to find new ways to help leaders reach agreement, and avoid any “parallel process,
partial elections, or new initiatives leading to any extension of prior mandates”.
The multilateral bodies expressed serious concern that the political stalemate, was “impacting negatively on peace,
security, stability, and prosperity in Somalia and beyond”.
Partners called on Somali leaders to continue making progress towards State-building and a more inclusive politics,
especially over elections and the path to a peace transition of power, as soon as possible.