The African Union Commission has delegated former Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama to lead the mediation process between the Somali government and opposition groups.
AUC chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat has welcomed the appointment of Mahama as his special envoy. Faki said, in a statement that the newly appointed envoy will be supported by AMISOM, the AUC head.
As the High Representative for Somalia’s political track, former President 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 time possible.
In fulfilling his mandate, the High Representative will be supported by AMISOM, to ensure that the mediation efforts and the peace support operation work together seamlessly.
Mahamat has pleaded with Somali stakeholders to negotiate in good faith, and to put the interests of Somalia and the well-being of the Somali people above everything as the continent searches for an inclusive resolution of the electoral impasse.
“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,” he said.
Mahama was Vice President of Ghana from January 2009 to July 2012; President of Ghana following the death of his predecessor, John Atta Mills from July 24, 2012 to January 7, 2017.
The envoy’s appointment follows an appeal by President Farmajo to DR Congo President and African Union Commissioner Félix Tshisekedi to mediate between the Somali parties.
