Somalia condemns ‘threats’ from foreign allies

President Abdullahi aiming to extend his time in office despite the threat of sanctions by western powers.

Somalia is accusing some of its foreign backers of undermining its sovereignty after the embattled government was threatened with sanctions over a decision to extend the president’s mandate by two years. Key foreign allies and financial supporters have rebuked the decision in strong terms, saying the mandate extension threatens peace and stability in Somalia and distracts from its fight against the al-Shabab armed group. President Mohamed Abdullahi, on Wednesday, signed into law a “special resolution” extending his time in office, despite his term expiring in February and repeated warnings that such a move would not be supported by Western powers.