MOGADISHU (SD) – UN has called on Somalia’s political stakeholders to come together “at the earliest opportunity” to break the political impasse that led to the delay of the elections in the country.

In a statement, UN Security Council urged Somalia’s leaders to engage in a constructive dialogue at the earliest opportunity without precondition to resolve outstanding issues on the legitimate basis of the 17 September agreement and the recommendations of the 16 February Baidoa Technical Committee.

The UN emphasized the need for a plan “to organize free, fair, credible and inclusive elections” in accordance with the September agreement “without delay.”

They continued to commend the role of the African Union in promoting dialogue between Somalia’s parties and recalled the importance of finalizing the endorsement of the Somalia Transition Plan.

The call by the UN comes as the leaders of the federal government and its member states failed to meet to discuss the electoral process.

On Wednesday, the governments of Puntland and Jubaland accused the outgoing president Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo of obstructing electoral talks with the regional leaders, further deepening the electoral stalemate.

“The Federal Member States of Puntland and Jubaland is concerned that senior officials of the outgoing Federal Government are obstructing the conference in Mogadishu,” the statement said.