UNSC calls for consensus in Somalia to end ongoing electoral stalemate

NEW YORK- The United Nations Security Council [UNSC] has asked Somalia politicians to accept consensus and build trust in the country's institutions rather than pushing extreme measures against the spirit of nationalism and patriotism, which risks plunging the country into chaos.

Somalia has been embroiled in a pre-election stalemate for over three months now, with outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo accepting an illegal term extension of two years, something which has led to international condemnation.

Lower House, without consulting the country's Senate, passed the two-year extension, a move which has caused jitters among the country's political elites, who now want structured dialogue. Farmajo recently insisted that he will focus on direct polls.

And following the pressure, the United Nations Security Council now says both parties should embrace consensus, adding that they should focus on the implementation of the September 17 pre-election pact, which among others, called for clan-based elections.

"Members of the Security Council underscored that consensus would be vital for any electoral model to be successfully delivered. They noted the 17 September agreement has remained the only basis so far endorsed by the Federal Government of Somalia and all Federal Member States," UNSC said.

"The members of the Security Council, therefore, called on all parties to reject violence and resume dialogue as a matter of urgency and without precondition. They called on Somalia’s leaders to recognize and build upon the many areas of an agreement already reached, to resolve their remaining differences, and to put the interests of the people of Somalia first, within a Somali-owned, Somali-led electoral process, and with an agreed timetable, as soon as possible," it further said.

The council further backed efforts being made by several missions in Somalia, adding that they will continue to assist the country until it achieves stability. Somalia has never had a stable government since 1991 after the ouster of Siad Barre.

Also, the council took into consideration the recent meeting between Farmajo and DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi, adding that it was important that regional blocs oversee dialogue in the country for the sake of stability and democracy in the country.

"They reiterated that, through the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia [UNSOM] and in conjunction with AMISOM, the African Union [AU], European Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development [IGAD], and international partners, they stand ready to assist."

"The members of the Security Council took note of President Farmaajo’s talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo President and Chairperson of the AU, Felix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa on 19 April. They expressed their support for and encouraged regionally-led international efforts to help bring the parties back to the table and facilitate inclusive negotiations," UNSC noted.

GAROWE ONLINE