Puntland rejects extension move, urges return to talks

GOOBJOOG NEWS|GAROWE: Puntland state has rubbished the Lower House unilateral vote to extend the term of outgoing president Mohamed Farmaajo and demanded an urgent return to the negotiating table echoing similar calls by western donors.

The easterly state said in a statement Wednesday it does not recognize Farmaajo’s term extension noting the September 17, 2020 deal between the Federal Government and the Federal Member States remains the only viable option.

“The Puntland Government of Somalia does not recognize the illegitimate actions of the Federal Parliament, which has extended its term, calling for the election law and the extension of the term of the Federal Institutions of the Federal Government of Somalia,” Puntland said in a statement.

It added that ‘the agreement of 17 September 2020 is the only agreement reached to hold the Federal Elections.’

The remarks follow a majority vote by the state parliament last week in support of a motion rejecting term extension. Out of 52 MPs present, 49 voted in favour of the motion.

Several political groupings and sections of clans and elders have also condemned the extension o Farmaajo’s stay in office. The Hawiye clan meeting in Mogadishu Tuesday lashed out at Farmaajo for ‘dictatorial tendencies’ and demanded a return to talks to allow the country head to elections.

Puntland also called for action from Somalis and the international community should Farmaajo fail to return to the talks to ‘secure the future of Somalia’s state-building and the private lives of the Government and the people of Puntland.’