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Nairobi, September 12, 2009 (SL Times) –
The African Union top envoy for Somalia on Thursday expressed deep
concern over the heightened tension in Somaliland.
Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union
Commission for Somalia Nicolas Bwakira said the volatile situation
followed the postponement of presidential elections in the country which
were scheduled for Sept. 27.
Somaliland's electoral commission this week postponed the election due
to uncertainties about whether the elections could beheld in the current
political environment as disputes over new electoral lists persisted
"The AU Special Representative calls upon all parties to remain calm and
avoid pronouncements and actions that may lead to further deterioration
of the situation and further urges all parties to desist from any form
of violence," the statement said.
Bwakira noted that the self-declared republic of Somaliland was one of
the regions of Somalia that have maintained relative peace.
He regretted that if the current situation slips into a state of
lawlessness, there will be worsening humanitarian conditions similar to
that in the rest of the country.
"He says the African Union in consultation with the international
community is available to assist all parties in Somaliland to reach an
amicable solution or common understanding, as part of its overall
efforts to promote peace, security and stability in Somalia," Bwakira
said.
Somaliland has enjoyed relative peace compared with other parts of
Somalia since the Horn of Africa nation plunged into anarchy in1991.
But constant delays to presidential polls have worried rights groups and
angered opposition politicians. Regional analysts say relations between
the political parties have been acrimonious since the delay of
presidential polls.
Somaliland, which is not recognized internationally, has form edits own
hybrid system of governance consisting of a lower house of elected
representatives, and an upper house which incorporated the elders of
tribal clans.
Source: Agencies
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