Saturday April 10, 2021
Mohamed Abdirizak is the current Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia. CREDIT/ Al Jazeera
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somalia's federal government released a statement on Friday seeking to reassure the international community that it is actively seeking a resolution to the country's electoral impasse while simultaneously warning external actors not to interfere with Somalia's internal affairs.
The statement announced that Somalia's Prime Minister, Mohamed Hassan Roble, will be in charge of election security.
"In response to concerns regarding electoral security, we would like to hereby reaffirm that the National Election Security Task Force led by the Prime Minister will be the mechanism through which all election-related security issues will be addressed.
The letter, signed by Mohamed Abdirizak, Somalia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, is a response to comments made by Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Representative of the United States to the United Nations and Security Council President for the month of March.
Thomas-Greenfield said that the Security Council noted the ongoing efforts between Somalia's federal government and regional states but was concerned over the lack of consensus. Greenfield said the UNSC called on Somalia's leaders to "engage in constructive dialogue at the earliest opportunity, without preconditions."
She added that the September 17 agreement and the Baidoa technical committee's recommendations provide the most pragmatic path to elections, which is in the best interest of all Somalis.
Somalia said that it is standing by the September 17 agreement and is willing to meet with regional leaders without preconditions.
Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanked Thomas-Greenfield for the Security Council's support but reminded the world body not to overstep its boundaries.
"National elections in Somalia, as in any other sovereign nation, remain a national issue deliberated and decided upon by the national institutions of the country as stipulated in Law No.30 passed by the Parliament. Therefore, we appreciate the UNSC's unwavering support for Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and political independence of Somalia."
"The Federal Government of Somalia regards any interference in the process of the National Elections by external actors as direct interference into our internal affairs in breach of UN Securit Council Resolutions, International Conventions and laws."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement comes after Somalia's international partners released two joint statements this week. The first came as an appeal to the Islamic sentiments of Somalia's leaders.
"As Somalis prepare to welcome the Holy Month of Ramadan, international partners express hope that the basic tenets of reflection, tolerance, forgiveness and reconciliation will usher in a successful summit of the Federal Government and Federal Member State leaders."
Just days later, another joint statement was released urging leaders to continue the consultative talks after negotiations faltered. Both sides blamed one another for the breakdown.
