Tuesday April 13, 2021
MOGADISHU (HOL) - The European Union, a key supporter of Somalia’s reconstruction process has warned that the move by the Lower House to extend the term of the president was a threat to the country’s stability and could cause divisions in the country.
Reacting to the resolution passed by the Lower House Monday, EU High Representative Josep Borrell said Somali leaders must return to the negotiating table.
“The European Union believes that the passage and signing of this resolution will divide Somalia, impose additional delays and constitute a grave threat to the peace and stability of Somalia and its neighbours,” Borrell said.
Noting that the extension undermined the EU’s efforts to rebuild Somalia through consensus, Borrell said the country’s leadership should give negotiations a chance.
“We call for an immediate return to talks on the holding of elections without delay based on the September 17 agreement,” the EU representative added that ‘concrete actions’ will be taken by the bloc should the country’s leaders fail to return to the table.
The remarks by the EU official adds to increasing local voices against the extension. Upper House speaker Abdi Hashi said in a statement the decision by the Lower House was a nullity noting that the term of the Federal Parliament had lapsed and therefore did not have the mandate to conduct such business.