The mandate of Somalia’s current president is set to end on February 8 2021. Yet delays to the elections continue because of disputes between the federal government, a number of federal members states and key political stakeholders. The implementation of expanded and indirect polls (agreed in September 2020) has not been taken forward due to a number of contentious issues.
Should the current impasse result in the holding of partial or parallel elections, it could lead to violence in parts of the country. Al-Shabaab has sought to take advantage of this political instability by increasing attacks and expanding territory under its control – with the withdrawal of US troops in January 2021 coming at an inopportune time. Insecurity has been heightened by tensions in Hirshabelle and Jubaland, with the latter leading to the severing of bilateral ties between Somalia and Kenya.
At this event, HE Hassan Ali Khaire discusses the election delays, as well as possibilities for finding common ground and moving the political process forward. He also reflects on key policy areas that the country’s next national administration will need to address in order to ensure continued progress in Somalia’s transition.
Participants
HE Hassan Ali Khaire, Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia (2017-2020)
Chair: Professor Laura Hammond, Department of Development Studies, School of Oriental and African Studies
