U.S expands visa restrictions on Somali officials accused of election delay

The Biden administration applied visa restrictions to additional Somali officials as the United States pressures the African nation’s government to complete its long held-up elections.

The statement came after the failure to meet another self-established deadline of 15th March for completion of parliamentary elections. The election has been extended to 31st March.

However the US officials did not name anyone who has been placed under visa restrictions specifically. According to the U.S statement a number of Somali journalists and opposition figures working to support democratic institutions and transparent processes have been targeted with harassment, intimidation, arrest, and violence.

The U.S government repeatedly calls Somali officials to rapidly complete its parliamentary and presidential elections in a transparent and credible manner which has been delayed several times.