US fires warning to Somalia as Farmajo signs term extension resolution

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United States has formally dismissed a decision by Somalia's Lower House chamber to extend the term for the current administration, saying that it's "disappointed" by the move which might "undermine" peace and stability of the country.

On Monday, April 12, the MPs voted to extend the term of Farmajo, a decision that violates the country's provisional constitution as the Senate did not approve the motion. State media has since reported that Farmajo has signed the resolution into law on Tuesday night.

But in a stern statement issued by Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the US stressed that her focus remains on Somalia's prosperity, stability, peace, and governance, adding that all stakeholders must reach a consensus on the electoral process.

"We have also made clear that the United States does not support mandate extensions without broad support from Somalia’s political stakeholders, nor does the United States support parallel or partial electoral processes," Blinked said.

Such actions, he noted, "would be deeply divisive, undermine the federalism process and political reforms that have been at the heart of the country’s progress and partnership with the international community, and divert attention away from countering Al-Shabaab".

He added that the U.S. is 'deeply disappointed' by the Lower House-passed bill extending terms for the president and parliament to illegally stay in power for two years.

The implementation of the term extension bill, Blinken added, "will pose serious obstacles to dialogue and further undermine peace and security in Somalia". "It will compel the United States to reevaluate our bilateral relations with the Federal Government of Somalia, to include diplomatic engagement and assistance, and to consider all available tools, including sanctions and visa restrictions, to respond to efforts to undermine peace and stability," he said.

The US now wants all the parties to return to the table urgently and "agree" to a way forward of solving the crisis. All parties, Blinked said, "should exercise maximum restraint, continue the dialogue, and avoid further unilateral actions that will inflame tensions and undermine Somalia’s democratic processes and institutions".

Coordinated message

The US statement seems to have been a well-coordinated message by the international community, which plays a major role in promoting Somalia's peace and stability, through financial aid and other security logistics, which as indispensable in the fragile nation.

James Duddridge, the UK Foreign Affairs secretary, said the decision by the Lower House to extend Farmajo's term had "dismayed" London, adding that the move would not give a solution to the political impasse in the country besides risking the safety and future of Somali people.

"We have consistently opposed any initiatives leading to a parallel process, partial election, or an extension of prior mandates. We urge Somalia’s leaders to refrain from any further unilateral actions that may escalate political tensions or violence. It is vital that all parties remain calm and protect Somalia’s stability and security," he said.

Constructive dialogue between Somali leaders is central to ensuring implementation of the 17 September agreement on the electoral model, he said, noting that the agreement is the only legitimate basis for elections.

"Now is the time for Somalia’s leaders to look beyond narrow self-interest and uphold their responsibilities to the people of Somalia. We urge Somalia’s leaders to return to talks immediately to find practical solutions and reach agreement on remaining issues, demonstrating restraint and compromise," Duddridge added.

"In the absence of consensus leading to inclusive and credible elections being held without further delay, the international community’s relationship with Somalia’s leadership will change. The UK will work with its international partners on a common approach to re-evaluate our relationship and the nature of our assistance to Somalia."

Similarly, the European Union, which is another major financial partner of the Federal Government of Somalia, poked holes into the decision, arguing that it "undermines the longstanding effort, supported by the EU and the international community, to rebuild Somalia through consensus".

The international community, including the EU, the statement read, "have repeatedly and publicly expressed that we could under no circumstances accept an extension of the government mandate, or any partial or parallel process related to the elections, without the agreement of the parties to the 17 September electoral agreement".

The European Union believes that the passage and signing of this resolution will divide Somalia, impose additional delays and constitute a grave threat to the peace and stability of Somalia and its neighbors. It certainly does not serve the interests of the people of Somalia, added the statement.

"We call for an immediate return to talks on the holding of elections without delay based on the September 17 agreement. Failing this, the EU will consider further concrete measures."

What analysts say

The term extension has divided the country into unprecedented political inclination, with the opposition's stand seemingly being favored by the international community and the internal laws governing the country, something which could throw Farmajo to a drawing board.

Already, Jubaland president Ahmed Madobe and his Puntland counterpart Said Abdullahi Deni, who have been insisting on genuine dialogue, have since left Mogadishu after almost of month of unfruitful talks. Farmaajo's administration had termed them "stumbling" block, a term they refuted.

Rashid Abdi, an analyst on Horn of Africa affairs, says that the statements by the US and EU are indications Farmajo is hanging on a loose thread, adding that his actions are unwarranted and should be reevaluated for the sake of rescuing Somalia.

"Farmajo's latest power grab violates Somalia's fragile constitutional order, undermines its democratic gains, and puts the country in grave peril," he says. "Time to put sanctions on Somalia's chief spoilers says an op-ed in the Somali Wire today."

"Statements by the UK and the US State Department coming in any time. Statement by UN perhaps coming after the UNSC session on Thursday," adds Abdimalik Abdullahi, who also asks the international community to withdraw Foreign aid. "Predictably, these statements will be along the same lines as the EU statement or even much stronger. But I bet the USA is the one to watch."

The term extension has not been approved by the Senate which also claims stakes but on previous occasions, Farmajo has often overlooked the contribution of the Upper House. It's not clear how the stalemate will be motivated in the future.

GAROWE ONLINE