U.S. imposes visa restrictions on Somali officials accused of undermining democracy

“Dozens of parliamentary seats are still unfilled and there is no clear plan to conclude the process. We are now imposing visa restrictions under this policy against a number of Somali officials and other individuals to promote accountability for their obstructionist actions,”

CGTN – The United States imposed visa restrictions on several Somali officials accused of obstructing Somalia’s democratic process following the failure to meet a February 25 deadline to complete parliamentary elections.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made the announcement on Friday after Somalia’s National Consultative Council extended the deadline to complete the elections to March 15.

“The delay in the conclusion of Somalia’s elections is driving political instability, threatening security gains, and undermining economic development.”

Blinken said Somalia’s electoral process had been undermined by “procedural irregularities and partisan use of security forces” and would affect Somalia in more ways than one.

“The political impasse also has broader implications, including undermining Somalia’s economic reforms and putting in jeopardy timely international debt relief.”

Blinken also noted that journalists and opposition party members who had been working to support democratic institutions and transparent processes had become victims of harassment, intimidation, arrest, and violence.

Blinken urged Somalia to complete its legislative and presidential elections in a “transparent and credible manner” adding that the U.S. would not hesitate to review sanctions to get the Horn of Africa nation on the path to a fully functioning democracy.

“The U.S. government will evaluate additional actions under this policy and other tools at our disposal to promote accountability and to support Somalia’s democratic process.”

world