After several unsuccessful calls for immediate elections in Somalia, the European Union joined the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the United Nations on Saturday 10 April to put pressure on Somali leaders to finally hold the parliamentary and presidential elections that were due to take place by 8 February (see EUROPE 12685/34, 12654/10).
Deeply concerned about the continuing political stalemate in Somalia, representatives of the four organisations had met the previous day by video conference.
In a joint communiqué issued on Saturday, they reiterated their respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia. However, they “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”.
Stressing that the 17 September agreement between the federal government and five regional leaders “remains the most viable path towards the holding of elections in the shortest delay possible”, they urge the federal government and state leaders to seek agreement through compromise on any outstanding issues.
They also call on international partners to strengthen these good offices engagements and identify if needed new ways in support of a return to dialogue among the political stakeholders.
The representatives of the four organisations reiterate that they will not support any parallel process, partial elections, or new initiatives leading to any extension of prior mandates. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)