Somalia: EU, US Say Farmajo's term extension is threat to country's stability

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Somalia: EU, US Say Farmajo's term extension is threat to country's stability

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) - The European Union has warned that Somalia is on the brink of instability and division following outgoing president Farmajo's term extension by the Lower House.

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MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) - The European Union has warned that Somalia is on the brink of instability and division following outgoing president Farmajo's term extension by the Lower House.

"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 neighbours,” EU High Representative Josep Borrell said in a statement.

He underscored need for Somali leaders return to bargaining table to resolve the political stalemate.

"We call for an immediate return to talks on the holding of elections without delay based on the September 17 agreement,” the EU representative added that ‘concrete actions’ will be taken by the bloc should the country’s leaders fail to return to the table.

Meanwhile, two US lawmakers in a statement opposed the decision to extend mandate of the government led Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo two more years.

The chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Michael McCaul and representative Gregory Meeks‘deeply concerning’ warning the move could derail the federalism project and democracy in Somalia.

They have called for sanctions and review of support to Somalia following a unilateral move Monday by the country’s parliament to extend the term of the president for two years.

"If the mandate extension moves forward, the United States must re-evaluate our assistance and our relationship with the Federal Government of Somalia and consider imposing sanctions against those who impede the democratic process,” the two lawmakers said.

The remarks of US and EU comes a day after Somalia’s Lower House members voted for term extension for both the house and the government, a move condemned by the opposition and some regional states.