US guys warn against Somalia as Farmajo signs time-out solution
MOGADISHU, Somalia – The United States has formally rejected a decision by the Somali Chamber of Commerce to extend the term of office of the current government, saying it is “disappointed” by the move, which could “undermine” peace and stability in the country.
On Monday, April 12, MPs voted to extend the Farmajo term, a decision that violates the country’s interim constitution, as the Senate did not approve the proposal. State media have since reported that Farmajo has signed the decision into law Tuesday night.
But in a stern statement by Foreign Minister Antony Blinken, the United States stressed that her focus is still on Somalia’s prosperity, stability, peace and governance, adding that all stakeholders must reach agreement on the electoral process.
“We have also made it clear that the United States does not support mandate extensions without broad support from Somalia’s political stakeholders, nor does the United States support parallel or partial electoral processes,” Blinked said.
Such actions, he noted, “would be deeply divisive, undermine the federalism process and the political reforms that have been at the heart of the country’s progress and partnership with the international community and divert attention away from confronting Al-Shabaab”.
He added that the United States is ‘deeply disappointed’ by the bill passed by the lower house, which extended the terms for the president and parliament to stay in power illegally for two years.
The implementation of the term extension draft, Blinken added, “will pose serious obstacles to dialogue and further undermine peace and security in Somalia”. “It will force the United States to reassess our bilateral relations with the Federal Government of Somalia, to include diplomatic engagement and assistance, and to consider all available tools, including sanctions and visa restrictions, in response to efforts to undermine peace and stability,” he said. said.
The United States now wants all parties to return to the table as soon as possible and “agree” on a way forward to resolve the crisis. All parties, Blinked said, “should exercise maximum restraint, continue dialogue and avoid further unilateral actions that will ignite tensions and undermine Somalia’s democratic processes and institutions”.
Coordinated message
The US declaration seems to have been a well-coordinated message from the international community, which plays an important role in promoting Somalia’s peace and stability through financial assistance and other security logistics, which is indispensable in the fragile nation.
James Duddridge, the British Foreign Secretary, said the House of Commons’ decision to extend Farmajo’s term had “terrified” London, adding that the movement would not provide a solution to the country’s political impasse beyond risking Somalia’s security and future people.
“We have consistently opposed any initiative that leads to a parallel process, partial election or extension of previous mandates. We urge Somalia’s leaders to refrain from further unilateral actions that could escalate political tensions or violence. It is important that all parties remain calm and protect Somalia’s stability and security, ”he said.
Constructive dialogue between Somali leaders is central to ensuring the implementation of the September 17 agreement on the electoral model, he said, noting that the agreement is the only legitimate basis for elections.
“Now is the time for Somalia’s leaders to look beyond narrow self-interest and maintain their responsibility to the people of Somalia. We urge Somalia’s leaders to return immediately to talks to find practical solutions and reach agreement on the remaining issues and demonstrate restraint. and compromise, “Duddridge added.
“In the absence of consensus leading to inclusive and credible elections without further delay, the international community’s relationship with Somalia’s leadership will change. The UK will work with its international partners on a common approach to reassess our relationship and the nature of our assistance to Somalia. “
Similarly, the European Union, another key financial partner of the Somali federal government, slammed the decision, arguing that it “undermines the long-standing efforts, supported by the EU and the international community, to rebuild Somalia through consensus”. .
The international community, including the EU, reads the statement, “has repeatedly and publicly stated that under no circumstances could we accept an extension of the government mandate or any partial or parallel election process without the consent of the parties to the September 17 election agreement”.
The European Union considers that the adoption and signing of this Decision will divide Somalia, cause further delays and pose a serious threat to peace and stability in Somalia and its neighbors. It certainly does not serve the interests of the people of Somalia, the statement added.
“We call for the immediate return to negotiations on the holding of elections without delay based on the agreement on September 17. If this does not succeed, the EU will consider further concrete measures.”
What analysts say
The term extension has divided the country into an unprecedented political leaning, with the opposition apparently favored by the international community and the internal laws governing the country, something that could throw Farmajo to a drawing board.
Already, Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe and his Northeastern State counterpart Said Abdullahi Deni, who have insisted on genuine dialogue, have since left Mogadishu after nearly a month of fruitless talks. The Pharmajo administration had described them as a “stumbling block”, a term they rejected.
Rashid Abdi, an analyst for Horn of Africa affairs, says the statements from the US and the EU are signs that Farmajo is hanging on a loose thread, adding that his actions are unjustified and should be reconsidered to save Somalia.
“Farmajo’s recent takeover violates Somalia’s fragile constitutional order, undermines its democratic gains and puts the country in grave danger,” he said. “Time to impose sanctions on Somalia’s top spoilers says an op-ed in Somali Wire today.”
“Declarations by the United Kingdom and the US State Department are coming at any time. Declarations by the UN may come after the UN Security Council meeting on Thursday,” added Abdimalik Abdullahi, who also called on the international community to withdraw foreign aid. “Predictably, these statements will be in the same direction as the EU declaration or even much stronger. But I bet the United States is the one to be monitored.”
The term extension has not been approved by the Senate, which also claims shares, but on previous occasions Farmajo has often overlooked the contribution from the Upper House. It is not clear how the stalemate will be motivated in the future.
AXADLETM
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