The outgoing regime created animosity and mistrust, says Warsame

MOGADISHU, Somalia – One of Somalia’s leading candidates Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame has accused the outgoing government of creating animosity and mistrust in the country amid electoral standoff.

“The outgoing regime however created conditions of animosity & suspicion that has, in turn, deepen the mistrust & risk the entire state & peacebuilding project,” said Warsame in a Twitter post on Sunday.

The former Minister of Planning underlined the importance of holding peaceful and inclusive elections in the country in accordance with the provisional constitution and the September 17 agreement.

Somalia had a political culture of holding an election every 4 years at the end of the parliament and president’s mandate which, Warsame believes is significant for the country’s political reconciliation.

His remarks came before the presidents of Puntland and Jubaland Said Abdullahi Deni and Ahmed Madobe respectively met with opposition presidential candidates in Mogadishu’s Halane compound.

According to Warsame, Sunday’s meeting hosted by Deni focused on how inclusive and peaceful elections could be held in Somalia and end the long-standing gridlock between the stakeholders.

The leaders of the federal government and the Federal States are set to hold a conference in Mogadishu this week to find a solution to the ongoing pre-election crisis.

The current deadlock is centered on the formation of the electoral commission, the appointment of a poll team for northern MPs, and the transfer of Garbaharey elections to the Jubaland as the Sep. 17 agreement stipulates.

GAROWE ONLINE