The opposition groups in Somalia on Friday have condemned with the strongest possible terms the decision of the Somali Federal Gov’t in which it called on the immediate suspension with the int’l partners. They pointed out that the decision is isolating the country since Somalia is heavily dependent on the support of the int’l community.
A press release issued by the opposition groups said this step is intended for Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration to turn away the attention of the int’l community when it comes to the political isolation that his gov’t is facing, and the failure to hold tangible dialogue with political stakeholders that are in disagreement with the Somali Federal Gov’t.
They said that the incumbent Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud led the country to political insecurity after he failed to make consultations and disbanded the National Consultative Council.
They also stated that some of the members of the National Consultative Council were allowed to join the political party established by Villa Somalia when the country is in a state of transition. They revealed that the country is desperately in need of inclusive dialogue in order to resolve the current political standoff pertaining to the upcoming elections and the constitution.
They disclosed that weakening the gov’t agencies and the suspension of the engagement with the int’l community would undermine the progress that Somalia made in the areas of democracy and state-building. They also articulated that the decision of the president is not in line with the campaign pledges in 2022 elections in which he promised to work that Somalia should be peaceful with itself and with the world.
They called on the Somali Federal Gov’t to review its decision and the direction that it is taking the country. They urged the gov’t to work towards reaching decisions which are aimed to deal with the political stalemate, the security and the threat from Al-Shabab.
The statement from the opposition groups coincides when Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry sent a letter to the UN Representative to Somalia, James Swan demanding that the C6+ must be disbanded.
C6+ played a crucial role when it comes to the reconstruction of Somalia since 2010. Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs, Ali Bal’ad said that the country is governed from foreign entity which undermines Somalia’s independence and the credibility of gov’t institutions. Therefore, he urged the int’l community to suspend C6+.
