Joint Communique on the situation in Somalia (AU, EU, IGAD and UN) 10th April 2021

1)     The African Union (AU), the European Union (EU); InterGovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the United Nations (UN) are highly concerned by the situation in Somalia. In this regard, a virtual meeting was held on 9th April 2021, with participation of Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Executive Secretary of IGAD; H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security; H.E. Amb. Rita Laranjinha, European Union, Managing Director for Africa; and H.E. Rosemary DiCarlo, United Nations Undersecretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.

2)  The meeting was convened in light of the gravity of the ongoing political stalemate in Somalia over the holding of delayed elections, and the continuing impasse in dialogue between the Federal Government and some Federal Member State leaders.

3)  Following these deliberations, the AU, the EU, the IGAD and the UN:

 a) Reiterate their respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity,   political independence and unity of Somalia; and call upon Somali   leaders to prioritize the national interest of Somalia and immediately   return to dialogue to seek compromise on the outstanding issues, and   to ensure that no actions are taken that would undermine the stability   of Somalia, which is critical to the maintenance of international peace     and security;

 b) Underscore that the 17 September Agreement remains the most   viable path towards the holding of elections in the shortest delay   possible, and urge the Federal Government and the Federal Member   State leaders to review and validate the 16 February 2021 Baidoa   Technical Committee 2 recommendations and seek agreement through   compromise on any outstanding issues necessary for rapid electoral       implementation;

 c) Appreciate the efforts of International Partners in facilitating   communication between among Somali leaders; and call upon the   Partners to strengthen these good offices engagements and identify if   needed new ways in support of a return to dialogue among the political   stakeholders; d) Reaffirm decision not to support any parallel process,   partial elections, or new initiatives leading to any extension of prior   mandates;

 e) Express serious concern that the political stalemate is impacting   negatively on peace, security, stability, and prosperity in Somalia and   beyond;

 f) Call upon Somali political leaders to continue the progress made in   state-building and inclusive politics, especially elections and peaceful   transition of power, and appeal to these leaders to deliver today on the   vital interests of the Somali people for peaceful, free, fair, and credible   elections;

 g) Urge all Somali leaders to exercise maximum restraint and refrain   from any actions that may lead to an escalation of tensions.

4) The African Union, the European Union, the InterGovernmental Authority on Development, and the United Nations will continue to closely monitor the situation in Somalia.