By John Ikani
More Somali Leaders accused of undermining democratic processes have been slapped with sanctions that include visa restrictions by the US.
The sanctions comes after Somalia again missed a 15 March deadline for completing parliamentary elections that have been delayed for more than a year.
The names of the officials have not been released yet.
The first wave of visa restrictions slammed on Somali leaders in February applied to “people who have failed to follow through with their obligations to implement timely and transparent elections,” said US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken without mentioning names.
Somalia has postponed elections since the mandate of President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, who is also known as Farmajo, expired in February last year.
Last month, Farmajo began a second term in office without a legal mandate to govern amid delays partly blamed on his rivalry with the prime minister.
The US says it will use visa restrictions and other tools to promote accountability and support the conclusion of the electoral process.
Somalia has not held a one-person-one-vote election for more than 50 years.
Under the current system, MPs are chosen by delegates appointed by clan elders and members of civil society who are selected by regional state officials.
The MPs will then vote for a new president.
