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This Monday, Hussein Roble accused President Mohamed Farmaajo of hindering the electoral process to perpetuate himself in power unconstitutionally and called on the security forces to respond “directly to the Government.” This happens after the Head of State suspended the functions of the other leader of the African country, which continues in its crisis without freely held elections 30 years ago.
Somalia, one of the nations that make up the Horn of Africa, has the characteristic feature of going through a constant crisis in political matters, being a territory that has not held direct elections for three decades, after the overthrow of the dictator Mohamed Siad Barre, leaving the country in the hands of guerrillas or Islamic militias, such as Al Shabab, one of the most serious threats today.
2021, which was aimed to be the year in which democratic elections will be held, will end up adding chapters of conflict between the most important leaders of the nation. This Monday, Prime Minister Mohammed Hussein Roble targeted President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, whom he accused of trying to “interrupt” the elections and “trying to stay in office illegally.”
In a press conference held in Mogadishu, Roble also called on the Armed Forces “to respond directly to the Government.” “I will take immediate action against anyone who opposes this order,” he added.
Waxaan Shacabka Soomaaliyeed u caddeynayaa in tallaabooyinkii uu qaaday Madaxweynahii hore Maxamed Cabdullaahi Farmaajo ay yihiin isku day bareer ah oo lagu afgambinayo dowladnimada, Dastuurka iyo sharciyada dalka u yaalla.
DAAWO👇👇https://t.co/1AirRdnec6– Mohamed Hussein Roble (@MohamedHRoble) December 27, 2021
This happened hours after the president suspended his powers in an extraordinary way until an investigation against him is completed on suspicions of corruption that they accuse him of stealing land from the Somalia National Army (SNA) and obstructing an investigation by the Ministry of Defense. Defending. In the same announcement, he also dismissed the commander of the marine forces, General Abdihamid Mohamed Dirir.
In a fluid back and forth through social networks, Roble’s office stated on Twitter that Farmaajo’s decisions are “a failed attempt to militarily seize” the prime minister’s space and “a violation of the Constitution.” Finally, he asserted that the Head of State invested “time, energy and finances” in boycotting the national elections and “derailing the electoral process.”
For its part, the Presidency described Roble as “a serious threat to the electoral process”, also alleging that the prime minister “exceeded” his mandate. After Farmaajo’s announcement, the military mobilized around the capital trying to prevent Roble from accessing his offices in Villa Somalia, the official residence.
Through statements, also on Twitter, the embassies of the United States and the United Kingdom urged “the leaders” to “reduce tensions” in Mogadishu and take immediate measures “not to carry out provocative actions and avoid violence.”
Incomplete elections
The Farmaajo stage had an expiration date of February 8, but there were serious attempts to extend it for two more years, something that was rejected by the Senate after having passed the approval of the lower house.
This context generated, in April, armed confrontations between different factions of the Army between those in favor and against extending the mandate of Farmaajo, leaving at least 13 dead and 22 wounded.
We again call on #Somalia‘s leaders to de-escalate tensions and refrain from all provocations or use of force. An NCC meeting is urgently needed to accelerate and improve the electoral process and bring the elections to a rapid, credible conclusion. https://t.co/0EKTdkx50p
– US Embassy Mogadishu, Somalia (@ US2SOMALIA) December 27, 2021
At the end of that month, the president gave up his intention to stay in power and appointed Roble as responsible for the preparation and development of the elections. The presidential elections were scheduled for October 10, but could not be carried out due to political disagreements between the parties.
After the start of the parliamentary elections on November 1, only 24 of the 275 members of the Lower House were elected after the deadline, December 24, was exceeded. Instead, the 54 Senators in the Upper House have already been appointed by the different provinces that make up Somalia.
This internal conflict distracts from the severe threats that inhabit the country, such as the fight against the jihadist group Al-Shabab, which is positioned in rural areas in the center and south of the territory.
With EFE and Reuters
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