UK says will not support an extension of Somalia's leaders mandate

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United Kingdom has called for urgent implementation of the September 17 pre-election deal in Somalia, adding that the political leadership should ensure success in the planned dialogue, which is set to kick off in the country.

According to James Duddridge, who is the UK Minister for Africa, the country should hold elections based on the model which was agreed upon in 2020, adding that the Baidoa recommendations should also be put in place.

The statement comes at the time the international community is trying to media the political crisis in the country, despite deep divisions that pit ongoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo and the opposition.

"The UK underlines the urgent need for Somali leaders to come together and reach consensus on implementing the electoral process, according to the model agreed on 17 September and the recommendations of the 16 February Baidoa Technical Committee," read the statement.

Somalia, Duddridge noted, cannot afford to hold parallel electoral processes or partial elections. The UK further warned about the extension of terms, following the expiry of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo's terms.

"The UK will not support actions that lead to a partial or parallel electoral process, or an automatic extension of previous mandates," Duddridge noted, in the latest political quagmire.

"In the interests of the Somali people, and our collective interests in the security, development, and growth of Somalia, we call on Somalia’s leaders to overcome the deadlock, engage in constructive dialogue, and hold inclusive and credible elections as soon as possible," he noted.

GAROWE ONLINE