MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s international partners have welcomed a decision by the outgoing president and parliament to roll back an extension of terms, in what many say might pave the way for peaceful elections in the strife-torn Horn of Africa nation.
The country’s embattled president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed – better known as Farmajo – addressing parliament on Saturday urged MPs to annul an extension of terms for both the executive and legislative branches of the government after which parliamentarians voted to rescind their previous decision.
Farmajo also announced that the prime minister Mohamed Hussein Roble will lead the electoral process and its security arrangements.
“The EU welcomes HoP decision and the announcement by President Farmajo. Now, no preconditions, no spoiling, no violence,” EU ambassador to Somalia Nicolas Berlanga tweeted, adding: “PM Roble must count on the constructive support from all FMS presidents and other political actors for a Somali-led process.”
Opposition leaders hailed the parliament vote to restore the September 17 agreement between federal and regional leaders, expressing hope that more could be achieved if the prime minister takes the lead in endeavors aimed to hold inclusive polls.
“We welcome the actions taken today by Farmajo and the House of the People. We also welcome Mohamed Hussein Roble’s role in implementing Somalia’s elections, which must be held as soon as possible,” US embassy in Mogadishu noted in a tweet.
The United Nations office in Somalia said it “welcomes the decision” of federal parliament to reinstate the September 17 electoral deal and urged Somali leaders “to return to dialogue and prepare elections without delay”.
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