Op-Ed: Speaker Aden Madobe Must Embrace Transparency or Step Down

The Federal Parliament of Somalia finds itself in another gripping crisis, with Speaker Aden Mohamed Nur (commonly known as Madobe) at the core of a contentious dispute. Just last night, Madobe took an unprecedented step by suspending 20 opposition MPs from attending sessions—an action many interpret as an attempt to stifle a brewing no-confidence motion against him. One can’t help but wonder: Is this a tactical maneuver or a delay of the inevitable?

Over the past few weeks, tensions have simmered due to perceived procedural delays surrounding a motion tabled by over 100 MPs against Speaker Madobe. Those who cite him accuse Madobe of a calculated evasion, a theme all too familiar to observers of his leadership—marred by allegations of obstructing democratic processes and side-stepping accountability.

The Roots of Discontent

The unrest reached a boiling point following Speaker Madobe’s controversial decision to expel MP Abdullahi H. Abiib for daring to criticize the government. This decision resonated as an unconstitutional overreach, galvanizing MPs into a unified opposition against Madobe’s actions. Although opinions may diverge on Abiib’s critique, the collective stance was clear: Madobe’s unilateral actions, contravening both the Somali constitution and parliamentary bylaws, crossed a red line.

The Somali constitution is explicit—only the full parliament, through due legal process, has the authority to expel an MP. Madobe’s attempts to mitigate the backlash through public statements did little to quell the demands for accountability. As observers, we must ask: When does personal power overshadow collective democratic responsibility?

Scenes of Chaos

The previous day’s parliamentary session unraveled into chaos, with raised voices and physical altercations dominating the floor. In a striking turn, Speaker Madobe inflamed tensions by hurling insults, including derogatory remarks aimed at MP Mohamed Ali Omar ‘Aananuug.’ Reference to Aananuug as a “cripple” on live television was not just deeply personal—it was a harsh reminder of his sacrifice, having lost his leg in a 2011 terrorist attack. This incident begs reflection: How do such actions and words reflect on our leadership?

The fallout from Madobe’s comments has sparked widespread indignation, tarnishing the dignity of Somalia’s legislative body and leaving many to question: Are we witnessing responsible governance?

A Pattern of Controversy

This current crisis echoes memories of past turbulence during the 8th Parliament under Speaker Sharif Hassan. His refusal to convene sessions and his alignment with the executive to quash scrutiny drew parallels to today’s predicament. Eventually, MPs orchestrated Hassan’s dismissal, a move that sparked division but illustrated the persistent tug-of-war for accountability that defines Somalia’s parliamentary history.

Reflecting on these events, we are compelled to ask: Are lessons from the past ever truly learned, or must we continually reel from the fallout of unchecked authority?

An Urgent Call for Constitutional Integrity

According to Somali law, upon submission of a no-confidence motion by more than a third of MPs, the Speaker is mandated to temporarily step aside, allowing the Deputy Speaker to preside over an impartial debate and vote. Madobe’s refusal to adhere to this mandate undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in Somalia’s democratic machinations. How can confidence be restored if leaders fail to model constitutional propriety?

Nurturing Accountability

To resolve this deadlock, the Federal Parliament must prioritize transparency and integrity. Speaker Aden Madobe faces a pivotal choice: facilitate a transparent debate on the no-confidence motion, or step down. It is crucial for the sake of democracy that Madobe respects the voices calling for this discourse. As citizens of Somalia, we’re left contemplating: What kind of legacy do we wish our leaders to leave behind?

Parliament must transcend political interference and honor constitutional principles, sending a clarion call for accountability. Such actions will speak volumes to a nation eager for genuine democratic governance, echoing President Abraham Lincoln’s sentiment that “nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

By: Hon Hassan Haji Ibrahim, Former member of the Somali parliament.

EXCLAIMER: The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Axadle’s editorial stance.