UK says no term extension for Somali leaders

by: Staff Reporter | 27 March 2021 12:53

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UK says no term extension for Somali leaders

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) UK government has today opposed any term extension of Farmajo administration days after talks between the federal government and its member state failed resume in Mogadishu.

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James Duddridge, the Minister for Africa at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) UK government has today opposed any term extension of Farmajo administration days after talks between the federal government and its member state failed resume in Mogadishu.

In a statement, UK warned against parallel electoral process, emphasasing the importance of talks to iron out the political deadlock.

"The UK will not support actions that lead to a partial or parallel electoral process, or an automatic extension of previous mandates,” the statement reads in part. "we call on Somalia’s leaders to overcome the deadlock, engage in constructive dialogue and hold inclusive and credible elections as soon as possible.”

The statement further underlined the urgent need for Somali leaders to come together and reach consensus on implementing the electoral process, according to the model agreed on 17 September and the recommendations of the 16 February Baidoa Technical Committee.

The remarks of UK government come at a time Somali capital is hosting two separate meetings for the opposition and President Farmajo’s allies including three regional leaders, Somali prime minister and the mayor of Mogadishu.

The UN, AU, EU, US and other foreign missions in Somalia had demanded the Somali leaders set aside their differences and agree on the way forward for elections.

Last Tuesday, the newly formed opposition alliance National Salvation Forum held its first meeting in Mogadishu on the sideline of Farmajo chaired talks at the airport.