EU Backs AU facilitated talks to resolve Somalia’s political standoff

The European Union has reiterated its position to oppose the term extension for Somali government, saying it will support African Union (AU) talks to end differences between the country’s stakeholders.

The European Union appealed for calm and the avoidance of any further action that might exacerbate tension. The statement follows the conclusions in the African Union’s Peace and Security Council’s 22nd April Communique on the political and security situation in Somalia which opposed term extension endorsed by Somali lower house members.

In a resolution on Thursday evening, African Union called for resumption of talks on the basis of the Sept 17 agreement, noting that the move to delay election in the horn of Africa nation would undermine the important gains that country has made over the years with the support of the AU and other partners with huge sacrifices.