Somalia demands AU to change its mediation envoy

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Somalia demands AU to change its mediation envoy

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) - Somalia opposed the appointment of AU High Representative John Mahama to bring an end to the country's political crisis in less than a week after the AU appointed Mahama to lead efforts to bring together Somali politi

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MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) - Somalia opposed the appointment of AU High Representative John Mahama to bring an end to the country's political crisis in less than a week after the AU appointed Mahama to lead efforts to bring together Somali political stakeholders.

In a letter to the continental authority, Foreign Minister Mohamed Abdirizak said that the horn of the African nation would not accept Maham, the former Ghanaian president because of his ties to Kenya.

The minister said that Somalia did not trust Maham, and said that his arrival would not bring any added value because an agreed settlement had already been reached.

"It is truly surprising that the AU has selected a candidate with extensive links to the Kenyan leadership to facilitate talks on a political impasse partly created by those supported by the Kenyan leadership," the letter read in part.

"It is my concern that introducing an envoy into the process now will only confuse the current friendly arrangements and, at worse risk, politicize the process beyond what is necessary," the Somali Foreign Minister added.

Early this month, African Union Commission had tasked former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama to lead the mediation process between Somali government and opposition groups.

Mahama will work with the Somali stakeholders, to reach a mutually acceptable compromise towards an all-encompassing resolution for the holding of Somali elections in the shortest possible time, according to AU statement.