Puntland calls for fresh dialogue, rebukes Farmajo's term extension

GAROWE, Somalia - The government of the federal state of Puntland has now called for immediate resumption of dialogue in Somalia, arguing that the Lower House's decision to extend President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo's term was "unconstitutional" within all aspects of the law.

Lower House extended Farmajo's term for two years but the move has caused ripples in the country, leading to outright condemnation from the international community. Farmajo has since accepted the extension.

And Said Abdullahi Deni's government wants the federal government to return to the negotiating table, arguing that the September 17 pre-election deal remains the only path to federal elections which have been delayed due to that current electoral impasse.

“The Government of Puntland State of Somalia declares that the agreement of 17 September 2020 is the only agreement reached to hold the Federal Elections, and to address the impediments to the implementation of the agreement in order to achieve a fair election acceptable to all,” the statement read in part.

The state also dismissed the extension of Farmaajo’s stay. Puntland further insisted that it does not recognize the Lower House decision to extend the term.

“The Puntland Government of Somalia does not recognize the illegitimate actions of the Federal Parliament, which has extended its term, calling for the election law and the extension of the term of the Federal Institutions of the Federal Government of Somalia.”

The state parliament voted on Monday against the resolution a day after clan elders in the state condemned the extension move.

Farmajo has maintained the resolution of the Lower House was legitimate and has sought the support of the African Union following a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo Monday.

The African Union Peace and Security Council is this morning discussing the political situation in Somalia. Outgoing President Farmajo had reached out to AU to mediate the Somalia crisis but insists the country will prefer direct polls.

GAROWE ONLINE