UN Urges Consensus on Elections After Somalia Talks Fail to Resolve Disputes
With Somalia now in what the UN described as a transitional political period, the mission urged the Federal Government of Somalia to bring all stakeholders into the process so they can build consensus around “a practical and unifying”...
MOGADISHU, Somalia, May 16 — The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia on Friday pressed Somalia’s federal government and opposition leaders to keep talking and settle on an inclusive electoral model after negotiations in Mogadishu ended without agreement on the main points of contention.
The mission said it welcomed the restart of discussions held from May 13 to 15 and recognized the role of international partners in backing the process, but said it was disappointed the meetings failed to produce a breakthrough.
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“The dialogue concluded without resolving key disputes,” the mission said in a statement, adding that the parties had agreed to continue talks and look for a constructive way forward.
With Somalia now in what the UN described as a transitional political period, the mission urged the Federal Government of Somalia to bring all stakeholders into the process so they can build consensus around “a practical and unifying” electoral framework.
The statement comes as tensions rise over the country’s electoral future, with the federal government and opposition leaders still divided over the design and timing of the next polls.
The UN mission also called for national unity to address deteriorating humanitarian conditions and the ongoing threat from armed militant groups.
It further appealed for restraint among Somalia’s political leaders and said it remained ready to work with international partners to help narrow divisions and support efforts aimed at political stability.
AXADLETM
