Int'l partners endorse proposed meeting between FGS and FMS leaders

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's international partners have endorsed the proposed meeting between the federal government and federal member states scheduled for today [Thursday] following recommendations by a technical committee comprising of members from both sides of the political divide.

Both parties are striving to find a common solution to the upcoming elections which have been delayed, and possibly on the verge of plunging the country into an unprecedented constitutional crisis. Initially, elections were scheduled to start in December.

Already, the term of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has lapsed together with that of parliament, leading to a debate on their legitimacy as Somali leaders. The international community has been pushing for consensus which does seem fourth coming.

But on Wednesday, the international community urged stakeholders in the country to embrace consensus, adding that all parties should purpose to attend Thursday's meeting. The meeting had been suggested by the technical committee members.

"We welcome the 16 February announcement that the Technical Committee representing the Federal Government and the Federal Member States has identified technical solutions to issues that have delayed implementation of the 17 September electoral model, and that these have been submitted to the National Consultative Council," they said in a statement.

"The partners further welcome the Technical Committee’s call for the Federal Government and Federal Member State leaders to meet on 18 February, and urge these leaders to do so in order to conclude the Committee’s work, so that the elections can be organized as a matter of priority," they noted.

On Tuesday, the committee reportedly agreed on five key points that were submitted to the leadership of the country, suggesting that all stakeholders gather and discuss for the sake of getting a breakthrough. The current stalemate risks plunging Somalia into chaos.

Initially, Farmajo, whose term expired on Feb 8, called for a meeting in Garowe on Feb 15 but unfortunately, none of the stakeholders attended. Instead, a number of them wanted it moved to Mogadishu while others damaged that he attends as a former president or a presidential candidate.

The opposition has been accusing him of plotting to rig elections, arguing that he had installed his loyalists, civil servants, and NISA agents in the electoral committee. But Villa Somalia has repeatedly denied the claims, arguing that Farmajo is committed to delivering free and fair elections.

GAROWE ONLINE