UN Calls for Consensus on Elections After Somalia Talks Fail to Resolve Disputes

MOGADISHU, Somalia, May 16 — The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia on Friday urged Somalia’s federal government and opposition leaders to continue political dialogue and reach a consensus on an inclusive electoral model after talks in Mogadishu ended without resolving key disputes.

The UN mission welcomed the resumption of discussions held between May 13 and 15 and praised international partners for supporting the negotiations, but expressed regret that the meetings concluded without a breakthrough.

“The dialogue concluded without resolving key disputes,” the mission said in a statement, while noting that the parties had committed to continuing talks and seeking a constructive path forward.

As Somalia enters what the UN described as a transitional political period, the mission called on the Federal Government of Somalia to engage all stakeholders in order to build agreement around “a practical and unifying” electoral framework.

The statement comes amid growing political tensions over Somalia’s electoral process, with disagreements persisting between the federal government and opposition figures over the structure and timing of upcoming elections.

The UN mission also appealed for national unity to confront worsening humanitarian conditions and the continued threat posed by armed militant groups.

It further called for restraint among Somalia’s political leaders and reiterated its readiness to work alongside international partners to help bridge divisions and support efforts toward political stability.

GAROWE ONLINE