Somali leaders must reach an agreement as the UN raises more pressure due to the dead end
MOGADISHU, Somalia – After months of turmoil, Somalia’s political leaders have apparently reached an agreement that would effectively end the political dead end, which had shaken the country and led to concern for the international community.
For the past five days, under the leadership of Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, leaders have been held in Mogadishu, the Somali capital, where they have discussed the way forward in early elections among other contributing factors.
The term of office of outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo had expired in February, leading to sometimes violent protests and pressure from the international community, which plays an important role in promoting peace and stability in the country.
To resolve the stalemate, Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble met with presidents in five regions to address their concerns about the conduct of the election. He later met with members of the opposition, who had appreciated his attitude.
“We have now reached an agreement that will lead Somalia to free and fair elections. Going forward, Somalia must have a predictable transition based on elections that are inclusive, credible, free and fair, said Abdirizak Mohamed during a UN meeting on Somalia.
“This is a challenge and opportunity that the Somali people, government and partners must seize to ensure sustainable development and land.”
Foreign Minister Mohamed said that among the fixed points that were resolved was the formation of an election committee, whose absence had prevented the election of new legislators in December.
In April, the lower house of parliament voted to extend the president’s four-year term by another two years. The Senate rejected the move and provoked a political crisis.
The political crisis had raised fears that al-Qaeda’s linked al-Shabaab insurgents could exploit a security vacuum if state forces were divided along clan lines and facing each other.
In late April, troops briefly seized President Mohamed’s extension of his term in the capital, raising fears of a complete disbandment of the national army.
The soldiers have since returned to their barracks after the Prime Minister’s negotiations, which promised to resolve the matter quickly. The Foreign Minister said that a more comprehensive statement would be given on Thursday 27 May.
UN pressure is mounted on FGS
As a key stakeholder, the UN has been at the forefront of implementing the agreement, which was signed in September last year, but whose implementation was a major concern of stakeholders in the Horn of Africa.
In his brief to the UN Security Council [UNSC] On Tuesday, UN envoy James Swan, with regard to the coordinated diplomatic efforts, expressed deep regret over the Somali government’s rejection of the new African Union High Representative on behalf of Somali electoral agency, John Mahama.
Mahama, who has since withdrawn from the arrangement, was accused by Mogadishu of being a close ally of Kenya, which has often been drawn to the obscure policies of Somalia. Kenya has constantly refuted claims of having interests in Somalia.
Swan noted Sept. 17: “signing the agreement,” must now commit to a clear path to hold back the investigation. Without this, progress with key national priorities will continue to be hampered, or worse, reversed, in critical areas, including in security, economic and development in Somalia “.
“I commend all Somali leaders who sought compromise and #union during this period … in the interests of the nation and the Somali people. This spirit of compromise is still an urgent necessity in the future, says SRSG James Swan to the UN Security Council.
At the UN Security Council meeting, SRSG Swan also noted the possibility before Somalia’s leaders: “It is imperative that the ongoing summit in Mogadishu provides a feasible agreement to hold elections in the shortest possible time.”
Based on the government’s declaration, all parties are expected to sign the agreement on Thursday [tomorrow] which will mark the beginning of an election period in the Horn of Africa, whose stability has been a major concern for international partners.
AXADLETM
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