Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has strongly warned against a plan he said was being pursued by the Federal Government of Somalia to close the United Nations Political Office (UNSOM) in the country.
Sharif Sheikh Ahmed described the move as a threat to the integrity of the upcoming elections and a potential source of national division after a press conference in Mogadishu.
Former Somali President Sheikh Sharif has warned that if the role and oversight of the international community is reduced, it could open the door for the elections to be rigged and directed in the direction of the ruling government.
“Isolating the international community, especially at this critical time, could undermine public confidence and the democratic process that Somalis are striving for,” said Sharif Sheikh Ahmed.
The former president urged the government to maintain its cooperation with the United Nations and other international organizations to ensure free and fair elections that include equal participation by all political stakeholders in the country.
The Federal Government has yet to officially respond to the allegations made by the former president.
