The United States called on Somali leaders to embrace peaceful dialogue to help resolve various challenges facing the Horn of Africa nation.
The U.S. embassy in Mogadishu called on the Somali government, all federal member states, and citizens of Somalia to work towards political reconciliation, cooperation, and unity through peaceful dialogue.
“Somalia has made impressive progress in key areas. We encourage all actors to come together and remain focused on working with Somalia’s international partners to bring peace, stability, and prosperity to Somalia,” the embassy said in a statement issued in Mogadishu.
The statement came a few hours after lawmakers in the region of Puntland voted out Speaker Abdikahim Mohamed Ahmed who they accused of violating the constitution and mobilizing clan forces at the parliament building.
Reports said at least four people were killed, including two soldiers, and several others injured in Garowe, the capital city of Puntland during a standoff to impeach the speaker on Wednesday evening.
The clashes started when the police forces and parliamentary bodyguards belonging to the Speaker fought off after the lawmakers filed a motion to impeach the Speaker who has been in office for barely a year.
The parliament is expected to pick a new Speaker within two weeks. Enditem
