Somalia Opposition Leaders laud AU Condemnation of Presidential Term Extension

Opposition leaders in Somalia have lauded the African Union for condemning a term extension by Somali lawmakers for themselves and the president.

Members of the UN Security Council have urged Somalia’s leaders to return to the negotiating table, following the controversial extension of the president’s term by parliament.
The organization said the move, which effectively postponed the country’s already-delayed elections, also undermines the unity and stability of the Horn of Africa state.

Lawmakers extended Farmajo’s mandate for another two years after months of failed talks on holding parliamentary and presidential elections. Political leaders were unable to agree on the electoral process, despite heavy pressure from the AU, the United States, and European Union.

Somalia on Thursday embraced an African Union (AU) initiative to facilitate constructive dialogue between warring political leaders that will culminate in holding free, fair and transparent polls in the country in accordance with the constitution.
But the FGS also blamed Kenya and Djibouti for engaging in what Information Minister Osman Dubbe described as a sinister campaign to derail the political process in Somalia through their influence in the commission.
Dubbe said the Somali government will not accept interference by the African Union into its domestic affairs, and added intervention in internal affairs violates the founding principles of the continental body which Somalia was among the pioneers.

Djibouti Government Minister for Economy and Finance Ilyas Mousa Dawaleh denied Somalia’s accusations, saying it undermines core values of peace and stability.

The international partners in Somalia, led by the U.S., also welcomed African Union mediation and urged Somalia’s leaders to agree to a way forward to resolve the electoral crisis urgently.