Why is it so hard to hold elections in Somalia?

Somalia’s government is in emergency talks with state leaders to see if they can break a political deadlock to hold crucial national elections. President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo’s term ends on 8 February – but a new leader cannot be elected without parliamentary elections, which have been delayed.

Somalia’s gains in recent years – greater security, a working government and a growing economy – have been threatened by the coronavirus pandemic and locust swarms. They are now are at even greater risk.