MOGADISHU, May 17 (Xinhua) -- The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has called on Somali leaders to resolve remaining disputes through consensus as the nation enters a transitional phase.
The regional bloc emphasized on Saturday evening that sustained political engagement remains essential to safeguarding Somalia's stability, strengthening democratic governance, and advancing the country's state-building priorities.
"The secretariat calls on all Somali stakeholders to pursue solutions that reinforce national unity, strengthen public confidence, and uphold Somalia's long-term stability and institutional progress," the bloc said in a statement.
The appeal follows a three-day meeting that concluded on Friday, coinciding with the official expiration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's four-year term.
In March, lawmakers approved constitutional amendments extending political terms to five years. Opposition leaders and regional federal states have rejected the extension, plunging the country into a deeper political standoff.
The regional bloc reaffirmed its support for Somali-led peace and security initiatives and underscored the critical importance of maintaining stability, fostering national unity, and advancing democratization and state-building efforts.
"IGAD remains firmly supportive of Somali-led efforts to advance inclusive governance, preserve peace and security, and secure a stable future for the people of Somalia and the wider region," it said. ■
