JOINT COMMUNIQUE ON THE SITUATION IN SOMALIA (AU, EU, IGAD and UN)

Published: April 11, 2021
by: Khadar Ifiye

1) The African Union (AU), the European Union (EU); Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the United  Nations (UN) are highly concerned by the situation in Somalia.  In this regard, a virtual meeting was held on 9th April 2021,  with participation of Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Executive  Secretary of IGAD; H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, AU  Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security; H.E.  Amb. Rita Laranjinha, European Union, Managing Director for  Africa; and H.E. Rosemary DiCarlo, United Nations Undersecretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. 

2) The meeting was convened in light of the gravity of the ongoing  political stalemate in Somalia over the holding of delayed  elections, and the continuing impasse in dialogue between the  Federal Government and some Federal Member State leaders. 

3) Following these deliberations, the AU, the EU, the IGAD and the  UN: 

a) Reiterate their respect for the sovereignty, territorial  integrity, political independence and unity of Somalia; and  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, which is critical to the maintenance of international  peace and security;  

b) Underscore that the 17 September Agreement remains the  most viable path towards the holding of elections in the  shortest delay possible, and urge the Federal Government  and the Federal Member State leaders to review and validate  the 16 February 2021 Baidoa Technical Committee 

recommendations and seek agreement through compromise  on any outstanding issues necessary for rapid electoral  implementation;  

c) Appreciate the efforts of International Partners in facilitating  communication between among Somali leaders; and call  upon the Partners to strengthen these good offices  engagements and identify if needed new ways in support of a  return to dialogue among the political stakeholders;  

d) Reaffirm decision not to support any parallel process, partial  elections, or new initiatives leading to any extension of prior  mandates; 

e) Express serious concern that the political stalemate is  impacting negatively on peace, security, stability, and  prosperity in Somalia and beyond; 

f) Call upon Somali political leaders to continue the progress  made in state-building and inclusive politics, especially  elections and peaceful transition of power, and appeal to  these leaders to deliver today on the vital interests of the  Somali people for peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections; 

g) Urge all Somali leaders to exercise maximum restraint and  refrain from any actions that may lead to an escalation of  tensions. 

4) The African Union, the European Union, the Inter Governmental Authority on Development, and the United  Nations will continue to closely monitor the situation in  Somalia. 

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