Political stalemate derailing Al-Shabaab war, US tells Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The leadership of Somalia should come together and help the country solve the current political stalemate, the US has said, just hours after the term of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo elapsed, a move that could plunge the country into an unprecedented constitutional crisis.

Somalia was supposed to go for polls in December but the country's leadership has failed to reach a consensus, further plunging the country into uncertainty, a move that has now forced international partners to try and intervene by pushing for dialogue in the country.

Last week, the leadership failed to agree on a few things at Dhusamareeb, something which led to the imminent collapse of the talks contrary to the international community's plans. There have been no directives from Farmajo, whose term ended yesterday.

But in a statement, the US now asked all actors to tolerate each other by having a dialogue, adding that the current stalemate is now risking the war against Al-Shabaab militants. It said the stalemate may trigger a series of insecurity setbacks in the country.

"The United States urges President Farmaajo and Somalia’s national leadership to act now to resolve the political impasse that threatens Somalia’s future and find agreement with Federal Member State leaders to allow the conduct of parliamentary and presidential elections immediately," the US said.

"The political gridlock of the past year has resulted in a disappointing lack of progress in fighting al-Shabaab and improving security, advancing economic development after achieving the first stage of debt relief, and effectively addressing the food insecurity and natural disasters that threaten far too many of Somalia’s people," it added.

Al-Shabaab still controls large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia, and have killed dozens of people. However, a joint effort by the US Africa Command, the Somali National Army [SNA], and the African Union Mission Forces in Somalia have tried to regain many areas that were formerly held by Al-Shabaab.

The US has also withdrawn her troops from Somalia and have since repositioned them elsewhere in East Africa. The troops are said to be serving in Kenya and Djibouti, where the missiles against Al-Shabaab are being launched from.

"Quickly resolving the current electoral impasse is critical to Somalia’s future. It is the responsibility and the duty of national and regional leaders to put aside the search for political advantage and instead act in the interests of the people of Somalia, who deserve the best from their leaders. Now is the time to resolve outstanding issues and finish the job of holding elections," read the statement.

GAROWE ONLINE