By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
MOGADISHU (Dawan Africa) — The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) has called on Somalia’s political leaders to continue dialogue and exercise restraint after political talks held from 13 to 15 May ended without resolving key electoral disputes.
In a statement issued on Friday, UNTMIS welcomed the resumption of political dialogue but expressed concern that the negotiations once again concluded without a breakthrough.
“It is regrettable that once again the dialogue concluded without resolving key disputes,” the mission said.
The UN mission said Somalia was passing through a sensitive political period that required leaders to avoid actions capable of deepening political divisions and instead prioritize dialogue aimed at reaching a broad political agreement.
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UNTMIS noted the parties’ stated commitment to continuing negotiations and identifying a constructive way forward. It urged the Federal Government of Somalia to present a framework capable of engaging all political stakeholders in order to build consensus around a practical electoral model that could unite the country.
The mission also called on Somali leaders to work together in addressing the country’s humanitarian challenges and security threats posed by Al-Shabaab and ISIS, warning that political disputes should not undermine efforts to confront instability and humanitarian pressures.
UNTMIS said it remains ready to work with international partners to support efforts aimed at bridging divisions among Somalia’s political actors.