US Department of State: Somalia must hold its elections immediately
Washington | Times Of Sudan
The US State Department issued a statement regarding the political vacuum in Somalia.
US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken: “The United States is deeply concerned about the impasse that the elections have reached in Somalia, which is causing political uncertainty and threatening the security, stability and development of the country.”
“We call on the federal leaders of Somalia and the leaders of regional member states to set aside their narrow political goals, fulfill their responsibilities towards the people of Somalia and agree to promptly transparent and inclusive elections,” the US Secretary of State added.
Antony Blinken, added that the current stalemate undermines the progress achieved so far, and delays urgently needed reforms for Somalia to continue on the path to full debt forgiveness, as it impedes the fight against terrorism.
The US Secretary of State affirmed that the United States supports the right of Somali citizens to peaceful protest and firmly opposes the use of violence by any party, while urging Somali leaders to protect the country’s future and reach an agreement to hold parliamentary and presidential elections immediately.
