IGAD calls for dialogue in Somalia as leaders in disagreement over elections
DJIBOUTI – Regional security and development giant; Intergovernmental authorities and development [IGAD] has called for dialogue in Somalia, a step once again striking outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, whose term expired on 8 February.
The political impasse in Somalia has almost threatened to throw the country into a state of chaos, something that could derail results achieved by several stakeholders, among them the international community.
In one of the unlikely events, the lower house extended the president’s term of office for another two years, a move that the upper house has opposed, insisting that the house go beyond its jurisdictions. The move has also been condemned by the international community.
And in a statement on Wednesday, IGAD called on both parties to return to the negotiating table, arguing that they should think about pushing for a constructive dialogue instead of putting the country in a state that could escalate political tensions.
“IGAD calls on all stakeholders to give the new initiative a chance and engage in an open, honest and constructive dialogue with the people of Somalia with a view to unlocking the political dead end,” the statement said.
The regional body also called on political leaders to be cautious about the stability of the country. The leadership, it said, should ensure that any plan of confrontation is thwarted for the sake of peace and stability.
“IGAD urges all Somali leaders to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions that will further escalate tensions or lead to confrontations. IGAD urges all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue in their political ambitions,” it said.
Farmajo has asked the African Union to mediate the crisis, but he still insists his administration is ready to hold direct votes. But the other team wants Somalia’s leadership to implement the agreement on the 17th of September.
AXADLETM
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