Press Statement

Mark C. Toner
Deputy Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

December 17, 2015

The United States commends Somalia’s National Consultative Forum for its efforts to reach consensus on an inclusive, transparent, and legitimate electoral process in 2016. We welcome the agreed principles in the Mogadishu Declaration as essential elements of a more inclusive and democratic electoral process than the 2012 process. We encourage all participants to seek compromise and to uphold their commitment to reach a final agreement by January 10, 2016.

The United States strongly supports the participants’ commitments to not extend the legislative or executive branch mandates, consistent with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2232. An on-schedule electoral process that is conducted in a fair, transparent, and inclusive manner will strengthen the relationship between the Somali people and their government and accelerate stabilization and development efforts.

The United States remains a committed partner to the people and government of Somalia and will continue to support Somalia’s efforts to realize a peaceful, united, and prosperous future.