Turkey voices concern over election unrest in Somalia

The Turkish Government has expressed concern over unrest in Somalia as tension rises due to delayed elections in the country. Turkey said they are concerned about the recent negative developments arising from the dispute over the election process in Somalia.

The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it is important that all parties act with common sense by avoiding steps that may lead to violence, and that the Federal Government and Federal Member State Leaders come together and try to resolve disputes with an inclusive and constructive dialogue on the basis of the agreement reached on 17 September 2020.

On Saturday, Somalia’s opposition vowed to push on with protests against the delay of the country’s elections, a day after violence flared up in the capital Mogadishu.

At least four people, including soldiers, were killed and three more wounded in a gunfight between military personnel and opposition members near the presidential palace on Friday.
Somalia’s opposition parties have launched protests against the government’s decision to defer Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo to step down as his constitutional mandate expired on Feb. 8.