Somali leaders urged to de-escalate rising tension in the capital

MOGADISHU, Somalia - International partners said they are following with deep concern the current situation and political developments in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu on Monday.

The political tension emerged after the outgoing president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo issued a statement on Sunday night, announcing that he suspended the PM's powers over allegations of corruption.

The foreign diplomats in Mogadishu called on Somali leaders to put the country’s interests first, to de-escalate rising political tensions, and to refrain from provocation or use of force that could undermine peace and stability.

“We strongly urge Somalia’s leaders to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions in Mogadishu, refrain from provocative actions, and avoid violence,” said the U.S. embassy in Mogadishu in a Twitter post.

International partners have repeatedly expressed growing concern over procedural irregularities and delays in the Somali electoral process which was supposed to wrap up this year.

In a joint statement, they said it is imperative that the 17 September 2020 and 27 May 2021 agreements, which are the basis for the elections, be implemented immediately without further distraction or disruption.

The partners emphasized the need for holding the in-person consultative meeting of the National Consultative Council as soon as possible to accelerate the long-delayed electoral process.

The United States said it remains committed to supporting peace and stability in Somalia and will use available tools to meet those goals.

GAROWE ONLINE