EU warns of ‘concrete measures’ as US lawmakers push for sanctions over Farmaajo deal

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The European Union has warned of sanctions against Somalia in the wake of a unilateral move by the Lower House to extend the term of outgoing president Mohamed Farmaajo as local and international pressure piles against the embattled leader.

EU High Representative Josep Borrell said in a statement the resolution was tantamount to destablising the Horn of Africa nation and causing divisions.

“The European Union believes that the passage and signing of this resolution will divide Somalia, impose additional delays and constitute a grave threat to the peace and stability of Somalia and its neighbours,” Borrell said.

The EU also called for ‘immediate return’ to talks based on the September 17, 2020, framework, ‘Failing this, the EU will consider further concrete measures.’

Borrell’s remarks are an addition to the growing voices locally and internationally condemning the unilateral decision. Farmaajo has since welcomed the resolution noting it was ‘historic moment’ for Somalia.

US LAWMAKERS

Meanwhile, two US lawmakers have urged their government to impose sanctions on Somalia and review relations with the Horn of Africa nation.

“If the mandate extension moves forward, the United States must re-evaluate our assistance and our relationship with the Federal Government of Somalia and consider imposing sanctions against those who impede the democratic process,” House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Michael McCaul and Representative Gregory Meeks said in a joint statement.

“We call on the Somali government to renew negotiations to resolve this crisis and return to the September 2020 electoral framework.”

The remarks came the same day some Federal Member State leaders were leaving Mogadishu signalling dark moments ahead as the country plunges into uncertainty over the prospects of elections.

Jubbaland president Ahmed Madobe, Puntland’s Abdullahi Deni and Ahmed Qoorqoor of Galmudug who have been in Mogadishu for about a month now left Mogadishu Tuesday afternoon for their respective states.

Former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has termed the Lower House resolution a coup. “Government officials are elected to lead the country for a specified period in the constitution. Attempts to forcibly increase this period are considered military coups. The consequences will be the responsibility of the outgoing president,” the former president said in a tweet.