WASHINGTON (SD) – The United States has threatened to impose sanctions on Somalia’s leaders if elections are delayed.

The statement from the State Department was posted on Twitter.

The U.S. threat comes as the National Consultative Assembly agreed to resolutions on election timetable and transparency.

The outgoing President of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, addressed the nation last night and welcomed the outcome of the consultative meeting, reportedly following intense pressure from members of the international community, including the United States.

The US statement indicates that the international community is losing patience with Somali leaders who are now at loggerheads over the conduct of the election.