The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs has sent on April 9th a letter to the UN Security Council stressing its commitment to hold federal elections and at the same time warning against any interference in Somalia’s elections.
The statement, signed by Foreign Minister Mohamed Abdirizak, was in response to a March 31st speech by Security Council President and US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, which read a statement from the Security Council.
In the statement, the Security Council expressed concern over the electoral crisis in Somalia and called on federal and regional leaders to hold urgent talks without preconditions.
“With reference to the statement made by the outgoing President of the United Nations Security Council, Linda Thomas Greenfield, on March 31, 2021, the Somali Federal Government wishes to express its appreciation and gratitude for this decision. The sentiments expressed, the long-standing commitment of Council members to the progress and stability of Somalia and their respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence of Somalia.
Somalia in modern history faced a number of difficult challenges, however, we were able to meet as a nation, engage in constructive dialogue, make the necessary concessions and formulate innovative solutions to overcome most of these challenges, and political stability is a precursor to all development efforts that we plan to implement in Somalia, and thus We are in full agreement with the UN Security Council’s affirmation that it is in the interest of all Somalis to hold comprehensive elections as soon as possible, and that as such, we would like to reiterate the following as the position of the Federal Government of Somalia:
A- National elections in Somalia remain, as in any other sovereign country, a national issue deliberated and taken by the country’s national institutions, stipulated in Law No. 30 approved by the House of Representatives. Therefore, we appreciate the Security Council’s steadfast support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia And its unity and political independence.
B- The Somali Federal Government considers any interference in the national election process by external parties as a direct interference in our internal affairs and a violation of Security Council resolutions, international agreements and laws.
C- The Somali Federal Government considers the September 17th Agreement as a basis for the electoral process and adheres to the recommendations of the Baidoa Technical Commission on February 16th without any preconditions.
D- In response to concerns related to election security, we would like to reiterate that the National Election Security Task Force, led by the Prime Minister, will be the mechanism through which all security issues related to the elections will be addressed, and the Federal Government of Somalia seizes this opportunity to renew to the United Nations Security Council its assurances to the highest level considerations.”
In response, the UN, EU, AU and IGAD, held a meeting published yesterday a joint communique re-asserting their commitment to Somalia’s sovereignty but all at same time deploring the current impasse on the elections talk between Somali leaders exhorting Somali leaders to go back to the table, in reference of the announced collapse.
In the statement, the group:
“a) Reiterate their respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia; and call upon Somali leaders to prioritize the national interest of Somalia and immediately return to dialogue to seek compromise on the outstanding issues, and to ensure that no actions are taken that would undermine the stability of Somalia, which is critical to the maintenance of international peace and security;
b) Underscore that the 17 September Agreement remains the most viable path towards the holding of elections in the shortest delay possible, and urge the Federal Government and the Federal Member State leaders to review and validate the 16 February 2021 Baidoa Technical Committee recommendations and seek agreement through compromise on any outstanding issues necessary for rapid electoral implementation;
c) Appreciate the efforts of International Partners in facilitating communication between among Somali leaders; and call upon the Partners to strengthen these good offices engagements and identify if needed new ways in support of a return to dialogue among the political stakeholders;
d) Reaffirm decision not to support any parallel process, partial elections, or new initiatives leading to any extension of prior mandates;
e) Express serious concern that the political stalemate is impacting negatively on peace, security, stability, and prosperity in Somalia and beyond;
f) Call upon Somali political leaders to continue the progress made in state-building and inclusive politics, especially elections and peaceful transition of power, and appeal to these leaders to deliver today on the vital interests of the Somali people for peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections;
g) Urge all Somali leaders to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from any actions that may lead to an escalation of tensions.”
