FGS says deeply dismayed by Int’l partners' response after term extension

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Federal Government of Somalia has defended the decision by the Lower House to extend its mandate by two years following criticism from local political groups, civil societies teams, and international partners, who have termed the move unconstitutional.

Without express authority according to legal experts, the Lower House added two more years to the government and asked the National Independent Electoral Commission [NIEC] to hold direct elections within the timeline.

In the past, the political leadership of the country had agreed to conduct a clan-based model of elections, which would have seen delegates pick MPs, who would later elect the president. The model faced implementation challenges due to a host of emerging issues.

But with pressure especially from the international community to disown extension, FGS has now defended the move, arguing that some "external" forces have been using Jubaland and Puntland to scuttle reconciliation efforts.

According to FGS, "The potential risk of losing the progress we've made so far, prompted Lower House to pass term extension resolution to protect the country's institutions. This key decision was supported by the majority of stakeholders".

The United States, the UN, European Union among other stakeholders have ruled out term extension for outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo whose term expired on Feb 8, and have instead asked all stakeholders to come back for negotiations for the sake of stability.

However, FGS insists the decision by the Lower House to extend the mandate was the popular wish of the people through their representatives, adding that the international community has no option but to show responsibility for the "sovereignty and political independence" of the country.

"While we appreciate concerns by the international partners and our friends for Somalia's stability and security, it's regrettable to witness champions of democratic principles failing short of supporting the wishes of Somali people," the ministry added.

"There are individuals within the African Union Mission in Somalia [AMISOM] that are tarnishing the Mission's reputation. These individuals have questionable links with officials from the outgoing regime of Farmajo. They are after their personal interests, not that of the AMISOM," noted opposition leader Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame on the stalemate.

But despite the tough-worded statement, there are reports that the federal government had dispatched Information Minister Osman Abukar Dubbe and a group of high ranking government officials to engage international partners on the latest development, with a sole message that "Farmajo has nothing to do with this".

GAROWE ONLINE