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AU insists on Dispatching John Mahama to Somalia

Nairobi (SD) – The African Union (AU) is still pushing for the appointment of former Ghanaian President John Mahama as its special envoy to Somalia. following opposition from the Somali federal government, East African reported.

The African Union has said it is consulting on its next steps, but has expressed concern about Somalia’s attempts to veto the decision, which was initially requested by President Farmaajo.

A spokesman for Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi, who chairs the African Union, told East African that members of the bloc would decide on John Mahama.

“On these issues, the AU presidency does not decide unilaterally. It consults the Commission and the AU Peace and Security Council,” said Zenon Mukongo, who sits on President Tshisekedi’s advisory Panel of Experts on African matters. “The president has postponed the meeting of the Council, which was to be held Wednesday. The AU position will be known after this meeting.”

The East African newspaper found that the organization was backing Mahama, believing that a change in his appointment would mean that Somalia would be involved in the mediation process.

While in Kampala to attend the inauguration of President Museveni last week, President Farmajo met with African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat and discussed the controversy over Mahama’s nomination.

The crisis over John Mahama’s nomination stems from the federal government’s belief that the envoy has ties to Kenya, a diplomatic rivals, while also arguing that Prime Minister Roble has played a the needed role in resolving the political stalemate.

Somali opposition believes this is another attempt by President Farmajo to stifle efforts to resolve the election deadlock.

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