Somalia: Int'l partners call for de-escalation of FGS dispute with Jubaland

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The feud involving the federal government of Somalia and the leadership of Jubaland state has attracted concerns from members of the international community, who have called for order and engagements to end hostilities.

Citing the acrimonious events from the National Consultative Council (NCC), the partners said they were 'alarmed' with the escalation of a dispute between the two levels of government, adding that 'this is bad news to stabilization mission'.

"We urge all stakeholders to engage in constructive and inclusive discussions on the electoral process. Jubaland State is urged to return to the NCC for an open discussion of all outstanding issues, and to restore ties with the FGS," read the statement.

"We encourage all parties to refrain from provocations and re-engage in an open dialogue before any electoral processes are finalized," the team further urged warring factions.

While Jubaland maintains indirect polls would trigger unprecedented term extension for both federal and state leaders, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says there is a need for Somalia to embrace democratic values by allowing citizens to pick their leaders without much strain.

The partners have discreetly sided with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, arguing that they support Somalia’s effort to realize direct elections which both Puntland and Jubaland are against for the aforementioned reasons.

"International Partners support Somalia on advancing its state-building agenda, including the ambition of progressively moving towards one-person, one-vote elections through increasingly inclusive and participatory voting systems," the statement added.

"This includes garnering public and political support by developing electoral processes, and a viable timeline for completing them, that are inclusive, widely accepted, achievable, and guarantee national security and stability."

With Hassan Sheikh insisting on the need for universal suffrage elections, Jubaland has already picked legislators through the old electoral system, and on November 25th, they will be electing their president, a move that could further escalate tensions within the country.

GAROWE ONLINE