British Office

Hargeisa

13 May 2015

written statement on behalf of the International Community (including: UN, UK, US, Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, France and Germany) on the Somaliland electoral process.

SUBJECT: SOMALILAND PARLIAMENTARY AND PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

1. The International Community is seriously concerned over the decision by the

Somaliland House of Elders (Guurti) to extend the terms of office of the House of

Representatives and the President by 21 months. We are particularly alarmed that such

a critical decision was taken without consensus among all Somaliland parties. Dialogue

and consensus building have been defining elements of Somaliland’s peace and

democratic credentials. In the eyes of the International Community, the Guurti’s

decision places Somaliland’s democratic credentials at serious risk.

2. Pursuing the above-mentioned decision by the House of Elders unilaterally not only

threatens to undermine stability and the democratic process within Somaliland; it

would also damage Somaliland’s public image and undermine our long-standing

partnership. We therefore call for immediate structured dialogue on the election

timeline and the term extension in line with the announcement by Vice-President

Abdirahman Isma’il Seylici today, and earlier announcements by President Silanyo. Such

a dialogue should revisit the Guurti’s decision and lead to an agreement to overcome

the current crisis and ensure that the elections are held as soon as possible.

3. As Somaliland’s international partners we remain ready to engage in this process.

Representatives of the International Community intend to visit Hargeisa in one week to

continue dialogue on this important issue. International partners are now considering

the implications and consequences of the Guurti’s decision which puts in jeopardy the

foundations of the Somaliland Special Arrangement. In the meantime, we urge restraint

and appeal to all stakeholders to make every effort to protect Somaliland’s democratic

credentials, and call for the release of all of those arrested for political reasons.

ON BEHALF OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AND DEMOCRATISATION STEERING

COMMITTEE