UNSOM Risks Losing Impartiality in Somalia

[Deeq A.]

Mogadishu (Opinion) — The United Nations might be gradually losing its impartiality in  Somali politics. As the lead organisation in Somalia,  its office, UNSOM, competes with foreign embassies in authorising tweets that reduce Somalia to a political threatre of absurdity.  Its latest tweet reflects a patronising attitude rather than the role of an organisation formed to promote peace and conflict resolution.

Inconsistency: James Swan, UNSOM Chief, emphasises 17 September electoral model as a key milestone, but his office mischaracterises the Somali electoral deadlock as mere disagreement between two sides.

Instead of offering any possible technical support to break the deadlock over the 17 September electoral agreement, UNSOM deepens the deadlock either by emphasising the primacy of the electoral model or  portraying the cause of the deadlock as a disagreement between Jubaland and Puntland on one side, and the Federal Government of Somalia, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, South West State and Banadir on the other side. Both emphases cannot be correct.

If UNSOM finds being seen as biased towards one side unpalatable, it should  clarify why a reference to the  core principles of the electoral model,  which should  have been implemented by now, aims to remind Somali political stakeholders of their obligation to keep their word.

The sticking point is the demand of Jubaland to renegotiate the terms of 17 September Electoral Agreement. This is a risky venture that can open up a Pandora’s box of political demands, and can damage the image of the Federal Government of Somalia. The Chairman of the Upper House Abdi Hashi told the BBC Somali Service today that “all Somalis must meet and reach an agreement”.  Hashi said he is not allowed to participate in the electoral talks. He views the 17 September electoral model as a palaver.

UNSOM should seek the advice of Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs at the United Nations to be able to constructively contribute to maintaining the political, social and economic progress attained in Somalia partly because of the selfless help of Somalia’s International Partners.

Wa’ays Dahir

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