MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble is insisting on taking over security, in an attempt to stop president’s alleged use of armed forces to undermine ongoing elections or meddle in the electoral process.
The leaders of Southwest, Galmudug and Hirshabelle states, and the governor of Banadir region – staunch allies of the current acting President – walked out of a meeting of the National Consultative Council in Mogadishu on Thursday over a proposed takeover of security by the Premier.
Southwest President, Abdiasis Laftagaren, who had accepted to attend the meeting following international pressure, threatened on Thursday that he would walk away from the venue if a discussion on Roble’s bid to take full charge of security was to continue. He has won the backing of three other leaders, who are all allied with Farmajo.
Despite reports indicating the collapse of the meeting, which entered its fourth day on Thursday, government spokesman Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu said “strong debates” were still underway and dismissed claims suggesting the breakdown of talks.
Roble argues that he will not be able to hold elections on schedule and in a manner agreeable to all sides unless he is in charge of the security of the country, a week after he had accused the President of attempting to overthrow his government.
The Premier’s proposal has been looked upon with favor by opposition leaders and the Presidents of Jubaland and Puntland states, who have voiced fear that the current acting President, who is also a candidate running for upcoming polls, will not stop meddling in the polls to ensure that all his allies have been swept to victory in parliamentary elections.
“Considering the events of 24 April and 27 Dec 2021, the prime minister and the council of ministers must take full charge of the country’s security,” the leader of Wadajir opposition party Abdirahman Abdishakur tweeted on Thursday.
“And in accordance with the constitution, the prime minister and his cabinet must ensure the armed forces stay out of politics.”
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