US Opposes Somali President’s Push for Unilateral Elections
US Warns Against Exclusionary Election Plans
The United States has issued a strong warning to Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud regarding his unilateral push for a one-person, one-vote election system. The US Bureau of African Affairs cautioned that bypassing key stakeholders could undermine Somalia’s political stability and democratic legitimacy.
Growing International Concerns
The US statement comes after President Mohamud convened a meeting of the National Consultative Council that excluded leaders from Jubaland and Puntland, two semi-autonomous states that immediately rejected the proposed electoral changes.
“All relevant stakeholders should have a say in changes to Somalia’s federal and election systems,” the US statement emphasized. “Decisions taken without broad-based support will lack legitimacy and distract from pressing security challenges.”
Shifting Perceptions of Somali Leadership
Horn of Africa analyst Rashid Abdi noted a significant change in international perception of President Mohamud: “Hassan Sheikh was hailed as a reformer exactly three years ago… Many are now beginning to see him as an unreliable partner for Somalia’s peace and even a destabilizing force.”
Political and Security Implications
The US rebuke arrives as Somalia faces multiple challenges:
- Ongoing threats from Al-Shabaab militants
- Growing public frustration with delayed reforms
- Deepening tensions between federal and state governments
Analysts warn that proceeding without consensus could further erode trust in federal institutions and exacerbate political fragmentation in Somalia.
US-Somalia Relations at a Crossroads
As Somalia’s key diplomatic and security partner, the United States has consistently advocated for inclusive political processes. The strongly worded statement signals a potential shift in US engagement with the Mohamud administration.
This article summarizes an original report by Somaliguardian. Read the full story at the source.