19 February 2021 (DJIBOUTI, Djibouti): The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) strongly condemns the violence in Mogadishu in the last twenty-four hours. IGAD further condemns the growing hostility and extreme belligerence in political contests in the country.
The continued impasse over the upcoming elections and the emerging pre- election violence increases the risks of instability and threatens to erode all the gains made in the peace and state building processes; and in the fight against terrorism.
IGAD, therefore, calls upon all political leaders to immediately de-escalate tension and re-engage constructively, in the interest of the people of Somalia, with a view to agree on the modalities of conducting inclusive, free, fair, transparent and credible federal elections without further delay.
IGAD reiterates that a Somali-owned and Somali-led dialogue is the best option out of the stalemate; and urges all the political leaders to seek consensus on all outstanding issues. IGAD will continue to engage all political leaders and other stakeholders on this path.
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PRESS RELEASE – IGAD STATEMENT ON VIOLENCE IN MOGADISHU
