Washington (SD) – The United States has welcomed and encouraged President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo’s pledge on April 28 to return to the September 17, 2020 election agreement and resume talks with the leaders of the Federal Member States as soon as possible.

A statement from the State Department said “The United States notes President Farmaajo’s April 28 commitment to return to the September 17 election agreement and resume talks immediately with Federal Member State leaders. We call on the President and Parliament to act swiftly to annul the April 12 mandate extension bill.”

The United States welcomed and commended Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and the leaders of HirShabelle and Galmudug administrations for their opposing to the extension.

“We commend Prime Minister Roble and the Federal Member State leaders for rejecting a mandate extension. We urge Somalia’s national and Federal Member State leaders to meet immediately to finalize a consensus-based electoral model and hold parliamentary and presidential elections as soon as possible on the basis of the September 17 agreement.” The US said.

The United States has called on political leaders to put aside their political ambitions and differences for the sake of Somalis, and to negotiate honestly and unconditionally.

“All leaders must set aside their political aspirations and differences for the good of the Somali people and negotiate in good faith without preconditions and with a willingness to compromise.” Said the statement from US state department.

Finally, the United States called on the government forces and other armed groups to withdraw and allow political talks to resume in an atmosphere free of violence and intimidation.

“We also call on Somalia’s security forces and all armed groups to stand down and allow political dialogue to resume in an atmosphere free from violence and intimidation. Continuing conflict will only serve to worsen conditions for the people of Somalia.” Said the statement from US state department.