The international community opposes the extension of the mandate of the Somali president and parliament
Somalia | Times Of Sudan
The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Canada, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and The United Nations are very concerned about the passage of a resolution on April 12 in the People’s Assembly to replace the September 17 agreement with an electoral process that will lead to a long extension of the terms of the president and parliament.
The aforementioned countries and organizations indicated in a joint statement issued on Wednesday April 14, 2020, that they have repeatedly stated that a parallel political process, partial elections, or new initiatives that lead to the extension of previous mandates will not be supported.
They added that the April 12 decision undermines peace, security and stability in Somalia and beyond, and will lead to further delays in holding credible elections that the Somali people await.
The statement affirmed that the aforementioned parties are convinced that the implementation of the September 17 agreement will remain the best course of action available.
The statement urged the federal government and the leaders of the federal member states to urgently return to the talks to agree on a way forward, and called on all parties to exercise utmost restraint, continue dialogue, and avoid unilateral measures that might inflame tensions, explaining that the international community is ready to provide good will endeavors and to revitalize the comprehensive dialogue on the 17th of September agreement.
