The international community have expressed their disappointment in the growing political tension in Somaliland due to an impasse between the government and opposition over the delayed Presidential elections process.
Following the ugly scenes in the streets of the capital Hargeisa when government forces engaged oppositions supporters who were holding peaceful demonstrations in running battles.
As a result, several demonstrators were injured while others were arrested.
In a statement, the international partners said: “ We (international partners) following Somaliland’s democratisation process are very concerned by the violent incidents that occurred during the political protests in Hargeisa.
“ We urge restraint from all sides in order to de-escalate the situation and prevent harm and injury.”
“In order to protect peace, stability and democracy in Somaliland, it is critical that all parties engage in meaningful and regular dialogue in order to reach consensus on the way ahead and to produce an agreed roadmap for elections.”
The joint stamen was signed by the United Kingdom, European Union, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.
Last Saturday, police fired live ammunition at protesters including opposition party presidential candidate Abdirahman Irro injuring several people.
The opposition is protesting against President Musa Bihi’s lack of commitment to having presidential elections held in November.
Bihi on Tuesday added more controversy in the matter by saying the Political Associations registrations will be held ahead of the presidential elections.
The president said that in order for the presidential election to take place, it is necessary to hold the election of political parties first and then the presidential election.
But this immediately attracted the ire of WADDANI whise chairman Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan reiterated their earlier position that there will be no other election ahead of the presidential elections slated for this coming November.
The opposition has said they are ready for structured dialoguw with government.
“To encourage a homemade solution, opposition parties have welcomed and given both their consent and mandate to the 31-member committee consisting of traditional elders, religious and business leaders to mediate the current political dispute,” said WADDANI party.
