US threatens to sanction Somali political leaders

Early this week, Somali leaders wrapped up six-day talks in Mogadishu in which they agreed to finalize parliamentary elections between the 15th of this month and the 25th of February.

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US threatens to sanction Somali political leaders

WASHINGTON - The United States has threatened to impose sanctions on Somalia's political leaders if they again fail to hold the election on the recently agreed electoral timetable.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said the U.S. is ready to take any measures, including travel bans, in response to further delays that could jeopardize the country's stability. 

February 8 marks the second year of the end of Farmajo's term in office. The United States stands ready to take any action, including visa bans, in response to further delays or actions that undermine the transparency of the electoral process," said Ned Price.

Price added that the continued delays in the election also jeopardize "partnership with the international community, and divert attention from the fight against Al-Shabaab terror group.

Washington has repeatedly warned Somali leaders against delaying the election, but nothing has been done since last year, a setback that disappointed the international community.

Early this week, Somali leaders wrapped up six-day talks in Mogadishu in which they agreed to finalize parliamentary elections between the 15th of this month and the 25th of February.

But the political analysts believe that the election of the Lower House chamber of Somali parliament cannot be completed within 40 days due to the numerous unresolved disputes.

KEYDMEDIA English 

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