Somalia Govt accused of sabotaging crucial election talks

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Puntland, and Jubaland state have jointly accused the outgoing Somali government on Wednesday of “dragging its feet” in convening inclusive electoral talks in Mogadishu.

Negotiations between leaders of the Federal States and international partners have been ongoing for weeks in Mogadishu seeking a broad-based consensus on the poll dispute, but Farmajo sabotaging the much-awaited FGS-FMS meeting.

On Wednesday, Puntland and Jubaland have issued a joint statement accusing incumbent President Farmajo of "distorting" the international community mediated conference to end the balloting impasse.

The leaders of the two Somali Federal States Ahmed Madobe and Deni have warned that "prolonging deadlock” over the election could jeopardize the hard-won progress and future of the Somali people.

Madobe and Deni have camped at Halane base camp in Mogadishu for almost three weeks to attend a consultative summit organized by the International community that brings together all stakeholders to discuss the following issues:

1 – Finalization of the implementation of the 17 September 2020 electoral agreement which is base on the execution of the electoral process.

2 – The implementation of Baidoa Technical Committee proposals of 16 February 2021

3 – The legitimacy and powers of the national institutions as the mandate of the government expired.

The statement described "unfortunate" that Deni and Madobe had not met with government officials during their nearly month-stay in Mogadishu to discuss ways to hold the planned FGS-FSM meeting.

"We, therefore, warn that prolonged meetings could jeopardize the future of the Somali people," the statement added, adding that the two Somali Federal States were anytime ready for genuine talks.

Last month, the International partners announced they will not support a partial or parallel electoral process or any initiatives leading to the extension of prior mandates.

Somalia sees no viable alternative to the implementation of the 17 September electoral model on a rapid timeline to conduct peaceful, inclusive, free, fair, and credible elections.

Political analysts believe that all contentious issues will remain unresolved despite more efforts by the int'l partners as long as Farmajo is showing no sign of compromise and unwillingness to hold a constructive dialogue that yields a fruitful deal. 

GAROWE ONLINE