MOGADISHU (SD) – United States has reportedly further tightened visa bans on officials from the Somali Federal Government, Regional Administrations and others that are involved in delaying the elections in Somalia.

The US has increased the number of official individuals that are subjected to the visa ban, in which the US accuses them of undermining Somalia’s democratic process.

“I am taking this action pursuant to a policy I announced on February 8, under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, to restrict the issuance of visas for those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Somalia.” Blinken’s statement said.

Foreign Secretary Antony Blinken stated that the number of Somali leaders that are subjects to these sanctions had been increased, and noted that those responsible for the election delay would be affected by the sanctions

“Following the government of Somalia’s failure to meet another self-established deadline of March 15 for the completion of its parliamentary electoral process, the United States is expanding the number of Somali individuals subject to visa restrictions.” Secretary Blinken said

The United States’ decision to expand the number of sanctioned individuals comes at a time in which the conclusion of the parliamentary elections have delayed yet again.

The names of the Somali officials who have been sanctioned have not been released, and it is suspected that they include some of the country’s top leaders, regional administration leaders as well as other influential politicians.