The United States government has announced visa restrictions to Somali officials and individuals, accusing them of undermining the democratic process in Somalia after yet another delay in the parliamentary elections.
America said the sanctions were to promote accountability for their obstructionist actions.
The restrictions were announced just hours after Somali leaders extended parliamentary elections to the 15th of next month after failing to complete them last Friday.
It said the delay in the conclusion of Somalia’s elections is driving political instability, threatening security gains, and undermining economic development.
The elections were supposed to be held a year ago but have been halted by a series of delays including lack of agreement on how they would be conducted and infighting between the president and the prime minister.
