Joint statement by the UN, IGAD and EU Envoys to Somalia / International partners call for resolution of the political crisis in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia, May 28, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- "The Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the European Union and the United Nations reiterate their strong condemnation for the attack of 24th May on the Somali Federal Parliament by Al-Shabaab. We commend the response of Somali security forces and AMISOM. We express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims. We remain committed to supporting Somalia's people break out of decades of conflict and insecurity in accordance with our respective mandates.

This attack shows the need to redouble all our efforts towards peace and state building in Somalia.

We stand united with the people of Somalia to support progress, peace and stability within the framework of Somalia's Provisional Federal Constitution. Ongoing political instability does not serve the interests of Somalia or its people. Somalia cannot afford a return to the cycle of deadlock and infighting between political actors that paralysed governments since 2000.

The development of a federal system, the constitutional review process and preparation for 2016 elections are behind schedule. The Constitution sets out clear roles and tasks for all Federal institutions, including Parliament, the Executive and the Presidency. Somalia needs continuity and stability. But it also needs faster and greater delivery by all.

Federal institutions should work together in strict accordance with the responsibilities set out for them in the Constitution. We welcome the President's commitment to reforms after the attack on Parliament. We call on the Executive, led by the Prime Minister, to take timely and decisive action to create greater national unity, improve security and expedite progress on federalism, the constitution and elections. International partners stand ready to support all moves that will enhance peace building and state building and to hold to account anyone who poses an obstacle to such progress."