MOGADISHU (SD) – Somalia’s Prime Minister Mohamed Roble announced Tuesday the country will be returning to negotiations for elections in an apparent rejection of the President’s extended stay in office.

In a statement following the mass exodus of residents from Mogadishu in the wake of violence, the Prime Minister said he will honour his pledge to parliament to lead the country into elections in line with the September 2020 Agreement.

“Following the program of my government that I read before the parliament, I am ready to conduct the election that was agreed on September 17, 2020,” the PM said in a statement.

Roble also urged all other Federal Member States to work together for peace and the resolution of the ongoing electoral stalemate. He warned against further violence and urged the military to return to their bases.

“The armed forces like me should fulfill their constitutional obligations and ensure security, especially the commanders of the army should return to their camps,” the PM added while calling on the opposition to refrain from actions that can cause more conflict.

PM Roble also welcomed the decision of Galmudug and HirShabelle to reject term extension and call for a return to talks. The two FMS who were allied to Farmaajo said they would no longer back a bid for Farmaajo’s extended stay in office.