US shifts tone on Somali leaders in effort to end electoral impasse

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The United States has moved from soft language to threatening in statements to the leaders in the war-torn Horn of Africa nation.

Since the country entered the electioneering period, the U.S. has stepped up pressure on the leaders of Federal States in Somalia amid a growing electoral impasse in the country.

On Sunday, the U.S. embassy in Mogadishu posted a statement on its Twitter handle which made the deadlines after ordering leaders of the federal states to stay in the city until the dispute is resolved.

“Failure is not an option,” said the U.S., telling the stakeholders that the people are awaiting peaceful and inclusive elections to avoid power vacuum and political chaos in Somalia.

The U.S. seems it shifted its tone on Somali leaders in recent months as the state department has this week urged leaders to shelf their ‘narrow political objectives and hold ‘transparent and inclusive elections.

Meanwhile, the international partners reiterated their call for the summit of the Federal Government of Somalia and Federal Member State leaders to reach a consensus on the contentious electoral issues.

The partners have invited the Federal States leaders to the meeting, promising it will be held in the protected area of Mogadishu’s Aden Abdulle International Airport after concerns over security matters.

As the foreign diplomats are working on mediating talks, Somalia announced that the outgoing president Farmajo called for a dialogue to begin on 22 March without consulting with other leaders.

The leaders are at loggerheads over how to implement the 17 September 2020 electoral model and proceed to elections without delay. Farmajo was accused of derailing the deal and acting differently.

“We see no viable alternative to the implementation of the 17 September electoral model on a rapid timeline to conduct peaceful, inclusive, free, fair, and credible elections. International partners will not support a partial or parallel electoral process or any initiatives leading to an extension of prior mandates,” said the statement.

International partners say they will continue their efforts to bring the Somali stakeholders together. “We reiterate our commitment to support the implementation of the electoral process once details are agreed”.

GAROWE ONLINE