US Urges Somalia’s Outgoing President to Roll Back Term Extension

Somalia

WASHINGTON (Somaliguardian) – The United States called on Somalia’s outgoing president and parliament to swiftly reverse a two-year extension of term after it had provoked clashes in the capital, Mogadishu.

It comes a day after the country’s embattled president, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, better known as Farmajo, announced a poll U-turn to ease tensions over his approval of a vote by parliament that extended the terms of both the executive and legislative branches of the government.

“The United States notes President Farmaajo’s April 28 commitment to return to the September 17 election agreement and resume talks immediately with Federal Member State leaders,” statement reads, adding: “We call on the President and Parliament to act swiftly to annul the April 12 mandate extension bill.”

In a statement issued by spokesman for the Department of State, the US government commended Prime Minister Roble and regional leaders for rejecting the mandate extension.

“We urge Somalia’s national and Federal Member State leaders to meet immediately to finalize a consensus-based electoral model and hold parliamentary and presidential elections as soon as possible on the basis of the September 17 agreement,” It added.

“We also call on Somalia’s security forces and all armed groups to stand down and allow political dialogue to resume in an atmosphere free from violence and intimidation. Continuing conflict will only serve to worsen conditions for the people of Somalia.”

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