In the midst of pressure to quit, Farmajo is taking on bigger European and American cities
NAIROBI, Kenya – In the coming weeks, pro-establishment supporters from the federal government in Somalia could lead protests in major European cities and in the United States, Axadlehas learned what is said to be a choreographic step to question the “interference” of the country’s internal affairs .
After signing the resolution of the House of Commons, giving him another two years at the helm, President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo is said to be non-committal to overturning the decision for the sake of dialogue, and instead has settled in confrontation with the international community .
Somalia relies heavily on international partners to finance most of its internal operations, including training and payment of the Somali National Army. [SNA], which are critical in the peace-making processes in the Horn of Africa.
Sources told Axadlethat Farmajo, who was first elected in 2017 and who may face imminent sanctions from the West, is said to be planning to facilitate massive demonstrations in European capitals and American cities. The meetings are aimed at protesting against foreign interference in internal affairs.
Additional sources added, planning the collections in London, Stockholm, Minnesota, Columbus in Ohio is in the preparation phase. However, two close confidants of Farmaajo oppose this ‘show of force’ and believe it will ruin any chance of dialogue in the future.
Farmajo signed the resolution on Tuesday, even as pressure continued to pile on him to pave the way for a constructive dialogue. The outgoing president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo had his term expired on February 8, with the parliament also expiring in December 2020.
The National Salvation Forum, made up of leading opposition leaders, in consultation with various segments of Somali society, announced that it is taking “every step to stop the illegal expansion and is working to find a solution to the transition”.
Two U.S. lawmakers have since called for sanctions and a review of aid to Somalia following a unilateral move Monday by the country’s parliament to extend the presidency for two years.
The chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Michael McCaul, and Representative Gregory Meeks said in a statement that the decision to add Farmaajo for another two years was “deeply concerning” warning that the movement could track the federalism project and democracy in Somalia.
“If the extension of the mandate moves forward, the United States must reconsider our assistance and our relationship with the federal government in Somalia and consider imposing sanctions on those who hinder the democratic process,” the two lawmakers said.
They called for renewed talks and returned to 17 September 2020, a political agreement between the Federal Government and the federal Member States. The comments of the two legislators increase the increasing international pressure on Farmaajo and the lower house to overturn their decision.
European Union High Representative Josep Borrell warned that the movement could destabilize the country and cause more divisions. His sentiments reflected the message sent by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and the message from British Foreign Secretary James Duddridge.
“The European Union believes that the adoption and signing of this resolution will divide Somalia, cause further delays and pose a serious threat to the peace and stability of Somalia and its neighbors,” Borrell said.
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