The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has called on Somalis to give priority to dialogue to avoid the escalation of violence.
By Ibrahima Dione
Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, was on Sunday 25 April, the scene of violent clashes between special forces of the federal army and mutinous soldiers.
The reason for the rift is the two-year extension of the presidential mandate of Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed otherwise known as Farmajo.
This is considered illegal by the opposition, which has the support of mutineers from a former militia integrated into the regular army.
President Farmajo’s mandate expired on 8 February.
But without holding an election, he promulgated a law to extend it against the advice of the international community.
Since then, the federal state has been in political crisis.
Through a communiqué from its General Secretariat, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) said it was following “with concern the situation” and urged the various parties to dialogue in order to “reach a consensual and comprehensive agreement.”
In addition, the 57-member state organisation, including Somalia, reaffirmed its readiness to help the East African country “overcome the difficulties, (and) ensure its security, stability and unity.”
To date, there is no official record of the clashes between the federal army and the mutinous soldiers.
ID/lb/as/APA