A Somali defense official threatens to take over Mogadishu Airport
MOGADISHU, Somalia – A senior Somali defense official has threatened to take over Aden Abdulle International Airport, commonly known as Mogadishu Airport, and has rejected the decision of the House of Commons to extend President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo’s reign.
The lower house quickly extended Farmajo’s mandate amid serious political divisions in the country, a move that has sparked worldwide condemnation. Already, Farmajo has signed the resolution, giving him another two years at the helm of the Mogadishu administration.
But Brigadier General Mohamud Mohamed Koronto, who previously served as commander-in-chief of the 27th sector of the Somali National Army, has now threatened to take control of Mogadishu airport if Farmajo continues to serve another two years in office.
In this undated video, the general is heard saying that Mogadishu security cannot be transferred to Farmajo and the National Intelligence Security Agency [NISA] chef Fahad Yassin. The general said without presenting evidence that a foreign power has control over the affairs of the country.
Koronto is currently in Canada.
His statement, analysts say, could trigger serious factions within the Somali national army [SNA]thus exposing further divisions in the forces. Somalia is trying to build an army after years of civil war and Al-Shabaab infiltration into the country.
Mohamud’s sentiments also come hours after Farmajo stripped former Mogadishu police chief Brigadier General Sadak John of all his ranks, according to state media.
The longtime police chief has tried to interrupt Monday’s session of parliament, which subsequently extended the period for Farmajo.
AXADLETM
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