Somalia's ongoing political crisis risks complicating electoral process, US says

Farmaajo's dispute with PM Roble risks complicating electoral process, according to US state department [File photo]

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United States has warned that the current political impasse pitting outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo and Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble risks complicating the electoral process in Somalia, which is already beyond schedule.

For the last two weeks, the country has been subjected to tough political contests within the executive which were triggered by changes within the security sector, following the death of Ikran Tahlil. PM Roble sacked National Intelligence Security Agency [NISA] chief Fahad Yasin contrary to Farmaajo's expectations.

Since then, the tussle has escalated, with the president suspending the powers of Roble, which included being in charge of elections and security. However, Roble, who has won a lot of support from various stakeholders, dismissed the move as "inconsequential".

In a statement on Monday, State Department asked the two protagonists to immediately reconcile for the sake of the electoral process. Already, the country has kick-started the process with senatorial elections, which are almost complete.

"Cooperation among Somalia’s leaders – particularly President Farmaajo and Prime Minister Roble – is essential to ensure that the country quickly completes its ongoing electoral process," State Department said. "The dispute between President Farmaajo and Prime Minister Roble risks complicating this process and needs to be resolved immediately and peacefully."

The US said any further delay in the elections could trigger violence across the country. Early this year, the country recorded spontaneous violence when Farmaajo attempted to extend his term, after expiry in February in accordance with the constitution.

Further, the US noted that the standoff could also affect the fight against Al-Shabaab militants. The militants, State Department added, could use the opportunity to further destabilize the Horn of Africa nation, which has been struggling with instability since 1991.

"The United States welcomes both sides’ stated commitment to the electoral process but remains concerned that these elections are already months behind schedule. Any further delay increases the potential for violence and plays into the hands of al-Shabaab and other extremist groups seeking to destabilize the country," read the statement.

The two leaders, Washington said, should henceforth avoid provocative statements which could trigger emotions. They were also asked to respect the constitution of the country which has been abused "repeatedly".

"Based on our shared interest to ensure the electoral process moves forward, we call on the President and the Prime Minister to avoid further provocative statements or actions and to resolve their disagreement over personnel appointments and their respective authorities peacefully," Washington said.

"Rapidly completing the electoral process will help advance the country’s counter-terrorism agenda and give the next government the opportunity to meet the needs of Somalia’s people.  Somalia’s citizens deserve nothing less."

GAROWE ONLINE