US issues additional sanctions to Somali politicians undermining elections

GOOBJOOG NEWS/MOGADISHU: The United States has slapped more unnamed Somali individuals with visa restrictions for failure to meet another self-established deadline of March 15 for the completion of the country’s parliamentary electoral process.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said in a statement that while notable progress has been made over the past few weeks, there were still more than three dozen unfilled parliamentary seats, with various complaints emerging over procedural irregularities.

“There are continued credible reports of procedural irregularities. Journalists and opposition party members working to support democratic institutions and transparent processes have been targeted with harassment, intimidation, arrest, and violence,” read the statement.

So far 236 out of 275 lawmakers of House of People of Federal Parliament have been elected, with Puntland, Hirshabelle and Jubaland States missing the crucial elections deadline of 15th of March.

The US further threatened to evaluate additional designations under the February 8 policy, to promote accountability and expedite Somalia’s electoral process in a credible and transparent manner.