MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Turkey said on Sunday that it was concerned about recent “negative developments” in Somalia as tensions simmer due to delayed elections and urged Somali political stakeholders to pursue dialogue to end the deadlock.
“We are concerned about the recent negative developments arising from the dispute over the election process in Somalia,” Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
It called on the Somali political stake holders involved in the long-running dispute to act with common sense and avoid steps that can lead to violence.
“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 States’ Leaders come together and resolve the disputes with an inclusive and constructive dialogue on the basis of the agreement reached on 17 September 2020,” the statement reads.
“We believe that the friendly and brotherly people of Somalia have the will and political maturity to determine their own future. In this context, we hope that a consensus will be reached on the election process, on the basis of mutual understanding without further delay.”
Turkey is a close ally of Somalia and has for years been training and equipping Somali armed forces.
Turkish-trained Somali police and military special forces had been used to break up a peaceful protest on Friday and to raid a hotel compound, housing opposition leaders including two former presidents.
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