A host of Somalia’s partners have released a statement strongly condemning the violence in Mogadishu over the weekend.
“International partners strongly condemn the outbreak of violence in Mogadishu on April 25.”
Somalia’s international partners said they have repeatedly warned that a term extension would deepen the political crisis and undermine peace and security. It called on all sides to avoid unilateral actions and exercise maximum restraint. It also called for a resumption of dialogue between the belligerents.
The joint statement said that they were particularly alarmed about the cracks emerging in Somalia’s security apparatus.
“We are alarmed especially by the emerging fragmentation of the Somali National Army (SNA) along clan lines, which detracts from its primary task of combating Al Shabab and protecting the Somali population. Use of security forces for pursuit of political objectives is unacceptable.”
Once again, Somalia’s international partners have stressed that they will only support the September 17 agreement.
“We reiterate that the September 17 agreement remains the only agreed model for elections, and we urge the signatories of this agreement to return immediately to talks on that basis.”
The statement welcomed a recent decision from the African Union Peace and Security Council to appoint a Special Envoy. It said they stand ready to support the envoy and efforts at bringing Somalia’s leaders together.
The UN Secretary-General said that he too was concerned about the armed clashes in Somalia’s capital and also called for dialogue and restraint. António Guterres urged all stakeholders to resume negotiations immediately with the September 17 Electoral Model and Baidoa proposals as the bedrock of all talks.
