US Secretary of State issues statement on upcoming elections in Somalia
1 min read
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has sent a message to Somalia’s federal government and regional leaders on the occasion of Independence Day.
“On behalf of the United States Government, I congratulate the people and government of Somalia on the 61st anniversary of your independence. We are pleased to continue to support your efforts to build a peaceful, stable and prosperous Somalia, ”Blinken said.
“On this occasion, I urge continued co-operation between federal and state leaders, to enable the completion of a peaceful, inclusive and transparent electoral process, as soon as possible,” said the US Secretary of State.
Blinken added that this is important to ensure a better future for the Somali people, adding that the United States stands with the Somali people.
Somalia’s elections, which have been delayed several times, are now scheduled to be completed by October 10, the time of the presidential election, although there are slight doubts that the new timetable will be met without delay.
The United States, one of the main donors to Somalia, was one of the countries that opposed incumbent President Mohamed Adullahi Farmajo’s bid for an extension, after threatening sanctions against those involved in the failed extension.
The United States now plans to redeploy more than 700 troops to Somalia after the withdrawal of US troops by former President Donald Trump in January, just days before he stepped down.
