MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – The United Nations, the African Union, the European Union and the Inter-governmental Development Authority on Development (IGAD) have reaffirmed their decision not to support partial or parallel electoral processes in Somalia as a stalemate over delayed polls is feared to slide the country back to a civil war.
Following a virtual meeting between representatives of these organizations on Friday, a “serious concern” has been raised that the political stalemate is impacting negatively on peace and security in Somalia and beyond.
“[We] urge all Somali leaders to exercise restraint and refrain from any actions that may lead to an escalation of tensions,” the organizations said in a joint statement.
“[We] underscore that the 17 September agreement remains the most viable path towards the holding of elections in the shortest delay possible, and urge the Federal Government and Federal Member State leaders to review 16 February 2021 Baidoba Technical Committee recommendations and seek agreement through compromise on any outstanding issues necessary for rapid electoral implementation.”
The statement “reaffirmed decision not to support any parallel process or partial elections or new initiatives leading to any extension of prior mandates”, just days after talks between Somali leaders had collapsed in Mogadishu.
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