Norway regrets Somali parliament’s decision

“Norway regrets the decision taken by the Somali Transitional Parliament to unilaterally extend its mandate by three years,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. This may complicate efforts to achieve a broad national consensus on establishing new and legitimate institutions for Somalia. 

The current mandate of the Somali Transitional Federal Institutions ends in August this year. A process has been under way to create a new legitimate basis for Somalia’s future governing institutions. Norway has actively supported these efforts. 

On 3 February, the Transitional Federal Parliament voted to extend its mandate by three years, a decision that was made without proper consultation with the parties concerned. Norway fears that this unilateral decision could make it more difficult to achieve consensus on a way forward that both the Somali people and the international community may endorse.  

“Somalia needs peace and stability. We call on the Transitional Federal Parliament and all Somali stakeholders to work for dialogue and cooperation on building legitimate institutions for the country’s future,” Mr Støre said.