Somalia's international partners 'deeply concerned' over political standoff

MOGADISHU, Somalia

Somalia's international partners expressed deep concern Monday over the latest developments in the country.

They called on its leaders to put the country’s interests first, to de-escalate political tensions and to refrain from provocation or the use of force, which could undermine peace and stability.

Somalia’s "international partners have repeatedly expressed growing concern over procedural irregularities and delays in the Somali electoral process," they said in a joint statement.

It is imperative that the Sept. 17, 2020 and May 27, 2021 agreements, which are the basis for elections, be implemented immediately without further distraction or disruption, the statement added.

It said a meeting between the National Consultative Council, which comprises federal and regional leaders, along with consultations among key stakeholders is urgently needed to accelerate and improve the process and bring elections to a rapid and credible conclusion

The international partners include the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Belgium, Canada, Egypt, Ethiopia, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya, the Netherlands, Norway, Sudan, Sweden, Uganda, the UK, the US and the United Nations.

The statement comes as pro-opposition forces are building up troops in some parts of the capital Mogadishu as concerns over armed conflict rise.

Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed on Monday suspended Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble over alleged corruption.

“Whereas Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble is accused in an ongoing investigation on corruption and abuse of public land, the duty and powers of the Prime Minister remain suspended pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigations,” said a statement issued by the president’s office.

Roble remained defiant and called the suspension “outrageous.”