Mogadishu April 10, 2023 (SD) -A group of Somalia’s international friends, which include Belgium, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Turkey, the UK, and the United States, had a telephone conversation with the outgoing president of Somaliland, Muse Bihi Abdi.

In a statement issued by the European Union, it was said that they discussed with Muse Bihi the war in Laascaanood and raised their concerns about the delayed presidential elections in Somaliland.

The statement added that international friends have reiterated the importance of securing humanitarian aid channels and delivering assistance to those in need.

They said that they shared a similar message with other parties involved in the war in Laascaanood.

The international partners said they are helping to find ways to sustainable peace, including helping to facilitate dialogue.

On the other hand, international friends said that Muse Bihi discussed the importance of holding the delayed presidential election in Somaliland and invited the President to publish a roadmap for elections and clarify the sequencing and timing of elections to allow for technical preparations.

International friends said they appreciated President Muse Bihi for his promises that he is ready to seek peace and dialogue.

International friends said they are disappointed that President Muse Bihi did not promise to withdraw Somaliland troops stationed around Lascaanod.