By Kwanta Douglas –
Somalia’s regional neighbours have subtly endorsed Prime Minister Hussein Roble to steer elections following a public spat with President Mohamed Farmaajo.
And neighbours Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and Sudan joined calls to the country to complete its electoral programme as a long-term solution to incessant wrangling that re-emerged on Christmas Day.
In a joint statement, the partners warned the wrangling could likely raise unnecessary tensions and derail the country’s rebuilding from years of conflict.
“International partners have repeatedly expressed growing concern over procedural irregularities and delays in the Somali electoral process,” they said in a statement that was also endorsed by the African Union, Qatar, the United Kingdom, the US, Norway, Japan, Italy, Sudan, Ireland, the Netherlands and Sweden.
“It is imperative that the 17 September 2020 and 27 May 2021 agreements, which are the basis for the elections, be implemented immediately without further distraction or disruption.
“A meeting of the National Consultative Council as soon as possible, along with other consultations among key stakeholders, is urgently needed to accelerate and improve the process and bring the elections to a rapid and credible conclusion that will enjoy the confidence of the Somali people.”
On Monday, Farmaajo furthered the tiff by suspending Roble over the alleged grabbing of army land near the popular Liddo beach in Mogadishu. Roble rubbished the decision as disgraceful and rejected the suspension.
“The outrageous statement from immediate former President Mohamed Abdullahi (Farmaajo) regarding the work of the PM and his failed attempt to militarily take over the OPM [office of the prime minister], is a violation of the constitution and other laws, the consequences of which will be solely shouldered by Farmaajo,” Roble’s spokesman Mohammed Moalimuu said in a statement that also reflected on Farmaajo’s overstay in power.