Stop escalatory rhetoric and support PM Roble, US tells Farmaajo

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United States has yet again fired a warning to outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, in what could further complicate his role as the president of the federal republic of Somalia, which has struggled with instability.

For the last one week, Farmaajo has been at loggerheads with Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble over the upcoming elections in Somalia, leading to a fierce battle over the control of the entire electoral exercise and security in the country.

And in yet another warning, Assistant Secretary of State Molly Phee asked President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo to stop escalatory rhetoric and actions, arguing that the president's move could plunge the country into unprecedented chaos.

Further, the Secretary of State for African affairs noted that Farmaajo, who is under pressure to step aside, should consider supporting Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble to conclude elections that have been delayed in the country.

"I spoke today with Somalia’s President Farmaajo about the urgent need to stop escalatory rhetoric and actions. I stressed security forces should remain neutral. I urged him to support PM Mohamed Roble in convening the NCC and completing credible elections quickly," read the statement.

Her statement comes just a day after Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta in which they discussed unfortunate events in Somalia. Blinken further said the US was again attempted ouster of PM Roble by President Farmaajo.

Molly Phee had earlier on spoken to PM Mohamed Hussein Roble in who they discussed among others, the need to hold a National Consultative Council meeting to settle the electoral exercise which has dragged on for months.

"I spoke yesterday with Somalia’s PM Mohamed Roble to underscore our support for his efforts to hold an NCC meeting to correct election irregularities and swiftly conclude credible elections. All parties should stop escalatory actions and security forces should remain neutral, " she noted.

Farmaajo and PM Roble are battling to control security and elections in the country leading to the current political turmoil. Despite the pressure from a number of stakeholders, President Farmaajo has remained mum over the current political impasse.

GAROWE ONLINE