The United States is asking Somalia’s political actors to drop the terms before the pre – election talks
MOGADISHU, Somalia – In what could rattle both the opposition and the federal government in Somalia, the United States has asked the political players to drop prior conditions so that they can allow the country to find a solution to the current political stalemate in the country.
Already, the international community has raised concerns about the absence of Jubaland and Northeastern State, which have questioned the process in addition to questioning the delayed implementation of the agreement before the September 17 elections.
Washington, led by Ambassador Donald Yamamoto, now wants outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo and the federal states to tolerate each other and let the electoral process move forward as planned, in yet another strong signal that could trigger more differences in the country.
“We urge Farmajo to ensure full participation in the summit and to reach an election agreement. We urge Said Abdullahi Deni, Madobe, Ahmed Abdi Karie Ali Guudlaawe, Lafta-Gareen to attend without preconditions,” the United States said in a statement.
The President of the Commission of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Tuesday released a statement that the AU is closely monitoring Somalia’s political developments as leaders gather to create a path to elections.
Mahamat said he was concerned that President Said Abdullahi Deni and President Ahmed Madobe of Northeastern State and Jubaland had interrupted the talks.
“While the President is encouraged by the arrival in Mogadishu of leaders from all federal Member States as well as other stakeholders, he is seriously concerned about reports that the meeting could take place without the participation of all FMS presidents.”
Farmajo and Prime Minister Roble meet with the leaders of Hirshabelle, Southwest, Galmudug and Benadir at the Aden Abdulle International Airport complex in Mogadishu for the second day to discuss how to implement the September 17 agreement and the recommendations made by Baidoa Technical Committee.
There has been concern over recent developments, with critics arguing that the West is hell-bent on interfering in the country’s sovereignty and independence in decision-making. The country largely depends on the international community for financial support.
AXADLETM
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