MOGADISHU, Somalia – International partners have praised efforts by Somalia’s leaders in an attempt to ease tensions before the election following the decision to convene again in Mogadishu, the country’s capital, after weeks of games over various issues among them, the model for elections.
President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo convened a meeting in the capital that brought together a number of stakeholders, and so far the team is still held together in constructive meetings as they try to resolve the deadlock that threatens millions of Somalis due to an election chaos opportunity.
The mandate of the current parliament expires in November, and various leaders, including leaders from some states and the opposition, have accused Farmajo of a plan to extend his term. However, the Somali leader has often rejected such reports, calling them “backward and primitive”.
In a statement issued on Monday, the partners among them praised the EU and the US Farmajo for agreeing to meet with top stakeholders, adding that such actions would leave room for agreement on the model and date of upcoming elections.
“International partners welcome the resumption of dialogue between the Federal Government of Somalia [FGS] and the five federal Member States [FMS], “read the statement.” The partners praise President Mohamed Abdullahi ‘Farmaajo’ and the FMS presidents for attending these important meetings in Mogadishu. “
Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe and his Puntland counterpart Said Abdullahi Deni first arrived in Mogadishu almost two weeks ago. The two leaders who have sworn critics of Farmajo had boycotted the Dhusamareb III conference, where those present reached an agreement.
At the request of the two leaders, HirShabelle leader Mohamed Abdi Waare, southwestern President Abdiaziz Lafta-Gareen and Galmadug leader Ahmed Abdi Kariye arrived in Mogadishu last week. The three leaders are closely familiar with President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo.
The international community called on all six leaders, along with Mogadishu Mayor Omar Filish, to reach an agreement to avert a possible crisis before the election. The remaining stakeholders, read the statement, should also be consulted.
“The partners urge Somali leaders to fully engage in a serious dialogue with the aim of reaching broad agreement on a credible and feasible electoral model,” they said. “The partners hope that other key Somali political stakeholders will also be consulted as the discussions progress, in order to expand support for an agreement and its implementation.”
On Monday, a photo of the seven leaders walking side by side was released, with political analyst Rashid Abdi saying an agreement could be reached on Friday this week. Villa Somalia has not yet issued a statement on the course of the talks that could define the fate of the people of Somalia.
“International partners are appealing to Somalia’s leaders to be governed by the national interest and democratic aspirations of the Somali people at this historic moment,” the statement added, which was also supported by the UN.
In Mogadishu, the leaders are expected to agree on whether to adopt the constituency Caucus model of elections, which was approved by those who were in Dhusamareb. There are other important issues such as demarcation of borders and representation of Banadir and Somaliland in the Senate, which are yet to be discussed.
AXADLETM
