Wednesday March 16, 2022
MOGADISHU (HOL) - The U.S has said it is disappointed by the failure to meet the March 15 deadline by Puntland, HirShabelle and Puntland amid threats by Washington of more sanctions over the missed milestone.
The U.S embassy in Mogadishu however lauded the conclusion of the electoral process in South West, Somaliland, Banaadiri Community and Galmudug.
The National Consultative Council chaired by Prime Minister Mohamed Roble announced in February an additional one month to complete the elections but that deadline has not fully been honoured yet again.
U.S ambassador to Somalia Larry André said in an interview with the local media this week that his country would target more Somali leaders should the March 15 deadline not be met.
“When the first NCC deadline (25 February) was not respected, we took note and the visa restrictions were applied to several individuals,” André said. ‘If the next NCC deadline (15 March) is not respected, then we will again take note and names will be added to the list of those restricted from travelling to the United States.”
Meanwhile, Jubaland said Tuesday elections in Gerbaharey for the 16 seats bitterly fought by the state leader Ahmed Madobe and president Mohamed Farmaajo will commence in two weeks.
This comes amid an ongoing row which has seen a team appointed by PM Roble to resolve it fail to travel to Gedo region.