U.S. urges Somalia to Build Strong Democratic Institutions to spur peace

The United States on Friday called on Somalia government to build strong and credible democratic institutions that will promote peace and stability in the country.

The U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu lauded the government for its continued progress towards a more inclusive democratic governance system and the peaceful transition to a new government in early 2017, “We encourage all stakeholders to rise above political distractions in order to work together to achieve progress in democratization and good governance,” the embassy said in a statement issued to mark the International Day of Democracy.

Washington also encouraged the Western-backed government to continue to enhance its commitment to democratization by putting in place the legal and institutional tools needed to make progress towards one-person one-vote elections in 2020/2021.

The U.S. also called on Somalia to hasten completion of the constitutional review, and build strong credible institutions that are accountable to the people of Somalia.
The statement said the Horn of Africa nation is a country recovering from many years of conflict, and the road to democracy is long and full of challenges.

“The United States remains a strong partner to Somalia in its effort to build strong, credible, and democratic institutions that will promote peace and stability in the country,” it said.
The global community observes the International Day of Democracy on Sept. 15 to raise public awareness about democracy.
This year’s theme of democracy and conflict prevention focuses on the critical need to strengthen democratic institutions to promote peace and stability.