Somali opposition rejects Amisom official to join mediation team
GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: The opposition in Somalia has rejected the nomination of a senior AMISOM official to work with the newly appointed High Representative John Mahama accusing him of impartiality and being part of the current political crisis.
The Council of Presidential Candidates (CPC) which comprises 15 presidential candidates said it cannot work with Babatunde Taiwo who has been tapped as senior political advisor to the AU mediation team.
“During his assignment to Somalia, Mr. Taiwo has openly pursued, with others in AMISOM leadership, partisan political courses in violation of his mandate and has seriously and negatively contributed to the crisis in which he is now assigned to mediate,” CPC said in a statement.
CPC accused Taiwo of ‘unprofessional conduct’ noting, ‘ After serious consideration, the Council cannot in good faith work with Mr. Taiwo.’
READ ALSO: African Union appeals for support to new envoy to lead Somali poll talks
The 15 CPC which includes two former presidents and prime minister however welcomed the appointment of Mahama and said it was ready to work with him. “
The Council will fully cooperate with the envoy and his team and implore other stakeholders to do the same.”
The African Union appointed the former Ghanaian president to lead the mediation talks among Somalia stakeholders in resolving the long-running electoral stalemate that almost plunged the country into full-scale violence late last month.
Prime Minister Mohamed Roble has announced the resumption of electoral talks with the Federal Member States on May 20.
Taiwo was appointed as senior political affairs advisor for AMISOM in November 2017.