The Somalian government on Thursday welcomed an African Union (AU) initiative to hold a constructive dialogue between the country’s warring political leaders to hold free, fair, and transparent polls in accordance with the constitution, reported CGTN Africa.
Somalia’s Information Minister Osman Dubbe lauded efforts of the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) which met on Thursday to discuss how the African body can help break the political deadlock to make way for elections.
The Somalian minister, however, accused Kenya and Djibouti of engaging in a campaign to derail the political process in Somalia by trying to influence the outcome of the meeting.
During Thursday’s meeting, the African Union Peace and Security Council affirmed the AU Commission’s readiness to facilitate constructive dialogue between the Somali parties to overcome the current political impasse.
Bankole Adeoye, the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, underlined the importance of an inclusive political dialogue towards peace and stability in the country.
The AU Council urged all stakeholders in Somalia to prioritize inclusive dialogue and political consensus.
Earlier this week, Somalian President Mohamed Farmaajo also welcomed the AU to mediate the poll crisis in the country.
“With regards to Somalia’s efforts to hold peaceful, inclusive, and timely elections, my government welcomes the role of the AU in facilitating a Somali-led and Somali-owned engagement process that would lead to dialogue,” said.
President Farmaajo assured that all Somali stakeholders will actively participate in the dialogue on the future of the country’s democracy.
The Somalian president, whose four-year term officially ended on Feb. 8, has been unable for months to decide on how to carry out the election, with the regional states of Puntland and Jubbaland objecting on some electoral issues.
Earlier this month, the Somalian parliament voted to extend the president’s mandate by two years.
