Breaking News— INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS STATEMENT ON PARLIAMENTARY ACTION LEADING TO EXTENSION

[Deeq A.]

BREAKING NEWS :

INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS STATEMENT ON PARLIAMENTARY ACTION LEADING TO EXTENSION

Mogadishu, 12th April 2021

All Somalia International partners are greatly alarmed by introduction today in the House of the People of a bill proposing to replace the 17 September agreement with an electoral process that would result in a lengthy extension to the mandates of the President and Parliament. This measure will weaken the legitimacy of national institutions and prove deeply divisive to the country.

As partners, we have repeatedly stated that we will not support a parallel political process, partial elections, or new initiatives leading to an extension of prior mandates. The bill will pose serious obstacles to dialogue and further undermine peace, security, and stability in Somalia and beyond. Such a bill will also further delay holding of credible elections awaited by the Somali people.

Based on the current development, international partners will re-evaluate their bilateral relations with Somalia, to include reducing engagement and assistance, and in some cases considering measures such as withdrawal of recognition of the Federal Government of Somalia and targeted individual sanctions and travel bans for those leaders impeding progress.

We are convinced that implementation of the 17 September agreement remains the best available course of action and so urge Federal Government and Federal Member State leaders to return urgently to talks to agree a way forward. We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, continue dialogue, and avoid unilateral actions that may inflame tensions.

International partners stand ready to provide good offices to facilitate and revitalize inclusive dialogue on the basis of the 17 September agreement.
From Swan – Special Envoy

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