FGS-FMS talks resume in Somalia as US mulls to impose sanction on saboteurs

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The talks between the Federal Government of Somalia and the federal states have resumed in Afisiyooni Center in Mogadishu as both parties strive to get a lasting solution to the current electoral impasse.

For several weeks now, stakeholders from both sides have pitched a tent near the airport but an amicable solution is yet to be reached given that the agenda for the meeting is yet to be deliberated. The tenure of the current administration expired on Feb 8.

Sources say Jubaland and Puntland want the Feb 19 shooting in Mogadishu and the legitimacy of the current administration included in the agenda. However, the FGS under President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo wants the implementation of the September 17 pre-election deal and the Baidoa agreement discussed in the meeting.

To tame some stakeholders, sources say, the U.S. is considering imposing possible sanctions on certain leaders it believes are "spoilers" if the election talks in Somalia end in failure. It's not clear who the US is targeting in the plan to bring orderliness to Somalia.

In a message on Tuesday, international partners also encouraged the two parties to reach an agreement urgently so that they can pave the way to free, fair and credible elections. The country was set to go for elections from December last year.

"As Somalis prepare to welcome the Holy Month of Ramadan, international partners express hope that the basic tenets of reflection, tolerance, forgiveness, and reconciliation will usher in a successful summit of the Federal Government and Federal Member State leaders," read the statement.

"Noting the importance of the planned FGS-FMS summit, international partners urge that this Somali-led and Somali-owned dialogue lead to the resolution of all outstanding issues and permit implementation of the 17 September electoral process," the international community further noted.

"Such an agreement, symbolizing unity, compassion, and care for others, would demonstrate leadership and concern for the Somali nation and offer a special Ramadan gift to the people of Somalia."

Somalia is on the path to civil war according to many analysts, something which has raised concerns among members of the International Community. The team now wants Somali leaders to make compromises for the sake of stability.

"We urge FGS and FMS leaders to use this opportunity to resolve their differences and make the necessary compromises in order to ensure that credible, timely, and peaceful elections can be held without further delay to allow Somalia to move forward."

Farmajo has been accused of being the main obstacle of the election in Somalia as he is seeking an illegal term extension that makes all efforts and talks to resolve the electoral dispute fruitless.  

GAROWE ONLINE