A delegation of the United States led by the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs arrived in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu on Monday to discuss on the country’s upcoming elections, Horseed Media reports.
Somalia’s Federal government President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid and several ministers hold talks with the delegation.
According to a press statement from the President’s office following the talks, both sides discussed on wide range of areas such as Political progress, preparation for the elections, security, efforts on fight against terrorism and bilateral relations.
U.S Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Bruce Wharton welcomed the government’s progress, stressing the importance of the forthcoming elections, describing its importance to the country and regional stability.
Mr Wharton reaffirmed his government’s continued support to the process of stability and development of Somalia.
Somalia is expected to hold elections in four months’ time, with the current President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud one of the candidates. Over the past few weeks, there have been speculations saying that the current leaders plan to postpone the elections.
In May last year, when U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry made a landmark visit to Somalia, he discussed with the Somali Federal government and regional administration leaders holding peaceful and democratic elections, though after few months the Federal government ruled out the possibility of holding one-person-one vote elections in the country.
Horseed Media
Somalia leaders, US delegation discuss upcoming elections
Published: May 9, 2016
