MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s international partners have voiced concern after talks aimed at breaking a deadlock over the country’s upcoming elections collapsed, negotiations that began in the capital last week under mounting international pressure.
The Somali Future Council – comprising Jubaland, Puntland and opposition leaders, and a key party to the talks – confirmed Monday that discussions broke down after the government maintained its refusal to negotiate on halting unilateral constitutional amendments and on pursuing a unilateral one-person, one-vote election.
The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia said it is “disappointed that the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali Future Council have not reached agreement in the talks held to date.”
“Along with other partners, UNTMIS leadership met earlier today with senior representatives of both the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali Future Council,” it added.
UNTMIS stressed that it welcomes “the stated commitment of both sides to continue efforts to find a constructive way forward. We strongly encourage further dialogue in good faith.”
“Together with other partners, we stand ready to assist Somali efforts to find a workable compromise on the outstanding issues,” it continued to add.
The United Kingdom also expressed disappointment over the breakdown.
“We welcome the FGS and SFC meeting in Mogadishu, though it is disappointing that consensus has not yet been reached. The UK, with partners, continues to support efforts to address outstanding issues. We are in contact with all sides and urge compromise and continued dialogue,” the U.K. embassy for Somalia said in a statement on X.
The United States Embassy Mogadishu echoed those concerns.
“Dialogue and compromise are difficult but essential and we encourage Somalia’s leaders to continue to pursue them. A unified Somali political process counters terrorism, strengthens governance, and advances priorities for Somalia and the international community,” the U.S. embassy in Mogadishu said.
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