Photo/Somali Times James Swan screen capture.
The United Nations envoy to Somalia, Mr James Swan, speaking at a Security Council meeting on the latest developments in Somalia, said there was “political tension”.
Mr Swan said Somalia was currently in a difficult political situation, which could hamper progress in rebuilding Somalia’s system and even the security situation. He said the situation of instability and pressure is also a threat to the overall situation in Somalia, a country that is just recovering.
Speaking about the elections and ongoing efforts, he said the February 19 incident disrupted a conference in Mogadishu to finalize the September 17 agreement.
But on the other hand, James Swan added that there is hope that one day a full agreement will be reached on the election and pointed out that the agreement reached on September 17, 2020 is the best way to overcome the delay in the election, and ensure that Somali leaders have a clear mandate to carry out their duties and return to prioritizing national agendas.
James Swan reiterated that it would never be acceptable for the country to hold unilateral, or parallel elections and called on the Somali parties to engage in dialogue.
James Swan’s statement comes at a time when the presidents of Puntland and Jubaland are refusing to attend the Mogadishu conference on a number of conditions.
A statement from the Somali presidency today again called on the two presidents to attend a conference in Mogadishu attended by the three presidents of the South West, Galmudug and Hirshabelle states.
The United Nations and the international community in general have been pressuring the Somali parties in recent weeks to reach an agreement so that the country can go to the polls.