Somalia's AU mediation efforts flopped following FGS boycott

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Former Ghanaian President John Mahama has formally withdrawn as a special envoy in Somalia's mediation team, a responsibility bestowed upon him by the African Union, which trusted his capabilities as a certified mediator on political conflicts.

Mahama, who is respected for handing over power after losing to the incumbent Nana Addo, was backed by several organizations which saw him as an epitome of success and democracy not only in the African continent but also around the world.

In a statement issued by special aide Joyce Mogtari, the former president said he had withdrawn his acceptance as High Representative to Somalia, something which could be attributed to the Somalia government's opposition to his appointment.

While thanking the AU for the confidence reposed in him, Mr. Mahama noted that “the high political importance of the proposed assignment requires that the High Representative enjoy the unalloyed support and co-operation of all political stakeholders.”

President Mahama whose appointment as the AU envoy has been roundly welcomed by the Council of Presidential Candidates of Somalia, and the Coalition of Somalia’s Federal Member States, further cautioned in his letter to the AU Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, that the lack of support by the Federal Government could jeopardize the whole process and undermine the hopes that the entire world has in bringing peace to the esteemed land of Somalia, the statement noted.

FGS under Farmajo had raised objections to his appointment, arguing that he's a close confidant of Kenya. The FGS has repeatedly accused Kenya of meddling in Somalia's internal politics, a claim which Nairobi often refutes.

"The former Ghanaian President who continues to receive requests from various international bodies and groups and is widely respected for his commitment to democratic consolidation, peacebuilding and development used the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to the African Union’s vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, that includes Somalia," added the statement.

The FGS had also argued that AU should first allow Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble to complete another round of talks before chipping in to assist. Currently, Roble is leading pre-election mediation talks in Mogadishu, where he hopes that a permanent solution to the electoral impasse will be reached.

Already, regional leaders led by Said Abdullahi Deni of Puntland, Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe of Jubaland, and Ahmed Kaliye alias Qoor-Qoor of Galmadug are in the capital for talks. The two teams are trying to unlock the impasse by finding an appropriate agreement on the upcoming elections.

Earlier, the opposition had also objected inclusion of AMISOM's political advisor Babatunde Taiwo in the mediation team in Somalia. Babatunde was accused of having close ties with FGS besides working closely with the National Intelligence Security Agency [NISA] which is often accused of taking sides.

GAROWE ONLINE