Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamud has called for elections in a bid to ease tensions after the extension of his mandate sparked political violence in the capital Mogadishu.
Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamud has called for elections in a bid to ease tensions after the extension of his mandate sparked political violence in the capital Mogadishu.
In a late-night televised speech, the incumbent President of the horn of the African nation urged all of the signatories of the 17 September pact to come together immediately for urgent dialogue.
“I call the signatories of the Sep 17 2020 elections agreement for an immediate session to discuss the way forward towards the implementation of the agreement without being subjected to any condition, ” the President said during his speech on state television.
Incumbent President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamud also known as Farmaajo said he “will ensure elections takes place in a timely and peaceful manner” and called on the all signatories to not subject any conditions but did not mention about his term extension.
He also urged parties in the country against politicizing of forces, divisions and vandalism.
The long awaited address by Farmaajo came hours after the three federal members states allied to him opposed his mandate extension.
The move by the regional state was welcomed by the opposition the international partners as well as the Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble.
Over the past few days, military forces opposed to President Farmajo’s term extension, took over positions in Mogadishu, barricading roads along Maka al Mukarrama, Mirinayo in Karaan District and Hodan District.
With Somalia failing to organise presidential elections earlier this year, President Farmajo (Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed)’s term was extended for two more years. The move move angered the Somalian opposition leaders.
Somalia has not had an effective central government since the collapse of Siyad Barre’smilitary regime in 1991, which led to decades of civil war and lawlessness fueled by clan conflicts.
