The  continued  impasse  over  the  upcoming elections  and the emerging pre- election violence  increases  the  risks  of  instability and  threatens  to erode all the  gains  made  in  the  peace  and  state  building  processes;  and  in  the  fight against terrorism.

IGAD,  therefore,  calls  upon  all  political  leaders  to  immediately  de-escalate tension and re-engage constructively, in the interest of the people of Somalia, with  a  view  to  agree  on  the  modalities  of  conducting  inclusive,  free,  fair, transparent and credible federal elections without further delay.

IGAD  reiterates  that  a  Somali-owned  and  Somali-led  dialogue  is  the  best option  out  of  the  stalemate;  and  urges  all  the  political  leaders  to  seek consensus on all outstanding issues. IGAD will continue to engage all political leaders and other stakeholders on this path.

- IGAD -