MOGADISHU, Somalia – Northeastern State and the state of Jubaland have jointly accused the outgoing Somali government on Wednesday of “pulling its legs” by convening inclusive election negotiations in Mogadishu.
Negotiations between federal leaders and international partners have been going on for weeks in Mogadishu, seeking a broad consensus on the poll dispute, but Farmajo is blocking an agreement.
On Wednesday, Northeastern State and Jubaland issued a joint statement accusing incumbent President Farmajo of “distorting” the international community-mediated conference to end the dead-end vote.
The leaders of the two Somali federal states, Ahmed Madobe and Deni, have warned that “prolonged blockade” over the election could jeopardize the hard-won progress and future of the Somali people.
Madobe and Deni have camped at Halane base camp in Mogadishu for almost three weeks to attend an advisory summit organized by the international community that brings together all stakeholders to discuss the following issues:
1 – Completion of the implementation of the September 17, 2020 election agreement based on the implementation of the election process.
2 – The implementation of the Baidoa Technical Committee proposal of February 16, 2021
3 – The legitimacy and powers of the national institutions as the Government’s mandate expired.
The statement described it as “unfortunate” that Deni and Madobe had not met with government officials during their nearly monthly stay in Mogadishu to discuss ways to hold the planned FGS-FSM meeting.
“We therefore warn that lengthy meetings could jeopardize the future of the Somali people,” the statement added, adding that the two Somali federal states were ready for genuine talks at any time.
Last month, international partners announced that they would not support a partial or parallel electoral process or any initiatives leading to the extension of previous mandates.
Somalia sees no viable alternative to the implementation of the September 17 election model on a rapid timeline for conducting peaceful, inclusive, free, fair and credible elections.
Political analysts believe that all disputes will remain unresolved despite greater efforts from international partners, as long as Farmajo shows no signs of compromise and unwillingness to engage in a constructive dialogue that yields a fruitful agreement.
AXADLETM
