UN Security Council Calls on Somali Government to hold Emergency Election

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 08:00 am

The United Nations Security Council held an emergency closed-door meeting on the difficult situation in Somalia, particularly the electoral dispute. The Security Council called on the leaders of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and the State Members (FGS) to work for a lasting solution to the conflict and to hold snap elections.

A statement from the council said it had heard from UN special envoy. Ambassador James Swan calls for inclusive elections in Somalia “as soon as possible”. The statement said it was in Somalia’s interest and security to hold election within short-term.

The Security Council called on the Somali leadership to implement the agreement reached on September 17, which was the basis for a unanimous election. This is the second call this month from Q.M. on addressing the electoral crisis in Somalia.

On March 12, the council urged the federal and state governments to “hold credible, fair and inclusive elections” in line with the September agreement “without delay.”

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The council on Wednesday “reiterated its outrage at the terrorist attacks by al-Shabaab and reaffirmed its support for national sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence in Somalia.”

The statement said the council welcomed Swan’s efforts to “bring the parties closer together and to hold elections as soon as possible, but without compromising.”

Since February 8, there have been international calls from international community leaders and their ambassadors to Somalia. Pressure has been put on the current outdated government to come up with a lasting solution and the current government to hold timely elections.

The UN Security Council has adopted a statement prepared by the UK and expressed concern related transition in Somalia is now. It is particularly concerned about lawmakers being banned from parliament. The 15-member council also stressed the need for a unanimous election in Somalia to avoid further conflict.