The African Union (AU) has named former Ghanaian president, John Mahama as its High Representative to Somalia – to try and resolve the dire political crisis in the country.
AU Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat in the announcement said Mahama will ensure there is “a mutually acceptable compromise towards an all-encompassing resolution for the holding of Somali elections in the shortest possible time.”
Mahamat further called on the Somali stakeholders to negotiate in good faith, and to put the interests of Somalia and the well-being of the Somali people above all else in the search for an inclusive settlement to the electoral crisis.
“This should usher in a democratically elected government with the legitimacy and mandate to resolve the remaining outstanding political and constitutional issues that are posing a threat to the stability of the country and the region as a whole.” He added.
Tension in Somalia has heightened in recent weeks, following a resolution to extend the term of incumbent president, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed by two years.
