Turjumaad ayaa la diyaarinayaa

MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – The United Nations, the European Union and 17 countries – all Western except Kenya – have jointly called on Somalia’s feuding leaders to urgently agree on an electoral roadmap, as a bitter power struggle between the president and opposition threatens to tip the fragile Horn of Africa nation into armed conflict.

The appeal came two weeks after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s mandate expired, leaving Somalia in a dangerous constitutional vacuum and its political landscape fractured along increasingly volatile lines.

“We call on all sides to resume dialogue as soon as possible, and to swiftly reach consensus on an election roadmap in the interest of the Somali people. The international community stands ready to assist in Somali-led talks, should they be requested,” the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), the EU and 16 nations said in a joint statement, adding: “In this delicate moment, we urge all Somali leaders to prioritise the national interest, and refrain from any actions that may lead to an escalation of tensions.”

Signatories to the statement included Australia, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.