MOGADISHU — The European Union has urged Somalia’s political leaders to urgently resume dialogue aimed at resolving disputes over the country’s electoral process, amid continuing tensions between the federal government and opposition groups.
The European Union Ambassador to Somalia, Francesca Di Mauro, said the bloc remains in contact with all Somali political stakeholders and is encouraging dialogue as the best path toward resolving political disagreements.
“We are not taking sides. What we are encouraging is dialogue,” Ambassador Di Mauro said, stressing that the EU believes political disputes should be resolved through negotiations and practical outcomes.
She noted that discussions between the federal government, opposition figures and some regional state leaders had taken place before her arrival in Somalia in September last year, adding that the EU’s role has been to maintain engagement with all sides.
Di Mauro said the European Union hopes all political actors will participate in future talks once they are announced, with the aim of achieving tangible progress on Somalia’s electoral process.
“I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that we hope discussions will resume quickly in order to find a way forward regarding Somalia’s elections,” she told Dawan Media.
The EU envoy’s remarks come as Somalia continues to face political disagreements over the model of elections, the role of political stakeholders and the need for consensus between the federal government, opposition groups and regional administrations.
