Mogadishu — International partners have expressed growing concern over Somalia’s political situation, urging the Federal Government and opposition groups to engage in urgent dialogue to resolve disagreements surrounding the country’s electoral process.
In a joint statement, the United Nations and a number of countries and international organisations called on Somali leaders to reach a consensus on the election framework and timetable, warning that prolonged uncertainty could threaten stability and undermine the interests of the Somali people.
The statement emphasised the need for all political stakeholders to prioritise national interests and refrain from actions that could escalate political or security tensions.
Signatories also reiterated their willingness to support efforts aimed at resolving the dispute, including facilitating or mediating talks between Somali parties if requested. They said an inclusive political dialogue would be essential to achieving a sustainable resolution.
The statement was endorsed by Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the European Union and the United Nations Transitional Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS).
The international partners stressed that a return to dialogue and political consensus remains the most effective path to safeguarding Somalia’s democratic process and preventing further deterioration of the country’s political landscape.
