MOGADISHU (SD) – The European Union has reiterated its position to rejected Farmaajo’s term extension by the African Union rejection of the extended stay in office by President Mohamed Farmaajo.

EU High Representative Josep Borrell said in a statement Friday the continental bloc welcomes the African Peace and Security Council decision to oppose the Lower House resolution and instead called for the resumption of electoral talks.

” The European Union supports the rejection of any mandate extension and looks forward to a prompt return to negotiations, facilitated by an African Union envoy, to achieve consensus for elections, based on the agreement of 17 September 2020,” Borrell said.

The remarks of EU come barely a day after the Africa Union opposed actions of the Lower House of Parliament to extend mandate of Somali government.

Following AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) on Thursday to discuss Somalia’s political standoff, AU said the extension which was also signed president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo effectively delayed elections, undermined unity and stability of the country.

The continental body called for resumption of talks on the basis of Sept 17 agreement, noting that the move to delay election in the horn of Africa nation would undermine the important gains that country has made over the years with the support of the AU and other partners with huge sacrifices.

“AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) Further expresses deep concern with the possible impact of the current political situation and climate on the cohesion of the Somali federation, the unity of the Somali army and security apparatuses, the process of force generation and the capability to continue to degrade Al Shabaab,” a resolution issued by AU reads in part.

The bloc urged the Somali political leaders to prioritize the country’s national interests and to immediately resume dialogue, on the basis of the September 2020 Agreement and Baidoa technical committee recommendations, in search for consensual solutions to outstanding issues that impede the organization of elections.