US threatens sanctions against Farmajo government over extension

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

There is a growing international outcry against the government led by the late President Farmajo after a two-year extension by parliament. The United States has said it is “deeply saddened” by a decision by parliament to extend two-years to current outdated Presidentof Somalia.

A statement from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that “the Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States have reached an agreement on a number of issues, including the need for peace, stability, prosperity and good governance in Somalia.” agree on the path through the electoral process.

“We have also made it clear that the United States does not support the extension of the mandate without widespread support from Somali political stakeholders, nor does the United States support a parallel or partial electoral process,” he said.

 “Implementing this law will be a major obstacle to dialogue and further undermine peace and security in Somalia. It will force the United States to re-evaluate our bilateral relations with the Federal Government of Somalia, including diplomatic engagement and assistance, and to consider all available resources, including sanctions and travel restrictions, to answer the efforts to undermine peace and stability.

We call on the Federal Government of Somalia and the leaders of the Federal Member States to return to the talks as soon as possible and agree on a way forward to resolve the electoral crisis. We urge all parties to exercise restraint, continue dialogue, and refrain from further unilateral actions that fuel tensions and undermine the democratic process and institutions in Somalia.

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Meanwhile, a statement from the European Union (EU) has threatened the federal government following an extension by the parliament.

The communiqué called for an immediate resumption of talks on holding elections without delay in accordance with the agreement of September 17. Failing that, the EU will consider further unspecified measures.

A statement from the European Union said: “Yesterday, the lower house of the Somali parliament voted in favor of a significant extension of the term of the President and the Federal Government of Somalia after two years of delays in the electoral process by 8 February 2021. This step undermines a long-term effort, supported by the EU and the international community, to rebuild Somalia through consensus. ”