The European Union has called on Somalia’s political leaders to urgently resume talks to find a solution to the country’s electoral process, amid ongoing political tensions between the federal government and the opposition.
The EU’s Ambassador to Somalia, Francesca Di Mauro, said the EU is in contact with all parties and encourages dialogue as the best way to resolve political differences.
“We do not take a position in favor of any particular side. What we encourage is dialogue,” said Ambassador Di Mauro, noting that the EU believes that political differences should be resolved through dialogue and effective outcomes.
The ambassador said that talks between the federal government, the opposition and some regional states had been ongoing before she arrived in Somalia in September last year, and that the EU’s role was to maintain regular contact with all parties.
She said the EU wanted the political parties to participate in the talks once they were announced, and to work towards tangible results.
Francesca Di Mauro reiterated her call for the urgent resumption of talks on Somalia’s elections.
“I want to take this opportunity to reiterate our hope that the talks can resume as soon as possible to find a way forward on the elections in Somalia,” she told Dawan Media.
The EU Ambassador’s remarks come as Somalia remains mired in political disagreements over the nature of the elections, the role of political stakeholders and the need for consensus between the federal government, the opposition and the regional states.
