1JOINT 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.
