US, UN welcome Somali deal, urge ‘swift implementation’

GOOBJOOG NEWS|WASHINGTON: The US and the UN have hailed the new electoral agreement in Somalia and called for its implementation for its swift implementation.

The State Department also lauded Prime Minister Mohamed Roble and Federal Member State leaders for steering the talks that resulted in a deal signed on Thursday in a ceremony in Mogadishu.

“We encourage them to move swiftly to implement the agreement, as concluding a peaceful, inclusive, and transparent electoral process as soon as possible is vital for Somalia to continue on its path to peace and prosperity.” The statement read in part.

The remarks echo similar sentiments by foreign missions led by the UN which welcomed the much-awaited agreement.

“We now urge all stakeholders to move forward swiftly to organize inclusive and transparent elections without delay. We call on Somali leaders to resolve any future disputes through regular dialogue among the signatories of the 17 September Agreement,” the joint statement by more than then missions read in part.

Earlier UN Secretary-General spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said the UN head Antonio Guterres urged for swift implementation of the agreement. “He (Guterres) urges all stakeholders to swiftly implement the agreement, as a critical step towards the holding of a consensual and transparent electoral process without further delays.

The agreement marked a key milestone in the electoral process following several months of back and forth negotiations.