U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken recently issued a press release to promote responsive governance in Somalia.
According to a press release, the U.S. has growing concerns regarding delays and procedural irregularity of Somalia's elections.
Blinken said that "the best path toward sustainable peace in Somalia is through the rapid conclusion of credible elections."
"I am announcing the implementation of a policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act that restricts the issuance of visas to current or former Somali officials or other individuals who are believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Somalia, including through violence against protestors, unjust arrests or intimidation of journalists and opposition members, and manipulation of the electoral process," Blinken said, according to the press release.
Such restrictions will also apply to family members of persons subject to these restrictions.
"Somalia’s national and federal member state leaders must follow through on their commitments to complete the parliamentary process in a credible and transparent manner by Feb. 25, which will further lay the groundwork for responsive governance in Somalia," Blinken said. "The United States strongly supports the Somali people, and we are committed to working together to advance democracy and mutual prosperity for both of our countries."
Feb. 8 was the one-year anniversary of the expiration of the Somali president’s term in office.
