AU appoints John Mahama as High Representative for Somalia
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) – African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat on Saturday announced the appointment of former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama as his High Representative to Somalia.
As the High Representative for Somalia’s political track, Mr. Mahama will work with the Somali stakeholders, to reach a mutually acceptable compromise towards an all-encompassing resolution for the holding of Somali elections in the shortest possible time.
In a statement, the AUC said that in fulfilling his mandate, the High Representative will be supported by the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) to ensure that the mediation efforts and the peace support operation work together seamlessly.
Meanwhile, the AUC Chairperson has called on the Somali stakeholders to negotiate in good faith, and to put the interests of Somalia and the well-being of the Somali people above all else in the search for an inclusive settlement to the electoral crisis.
“This should usher in a democratically elected government with the legitimacy and mandate to resolve the remaining outstanding political and constitutional issues that are posing a threat to the stability of the country and the region as a whole,” Mahamat underlined.
The Chairperson also encouraged all the Somali stakeholders and the international community to extend every support to the High Representative, who will arrive in Somalia in the coming days.
-0- PANA AR 8May2021
