After the talks flopped, Farmajo accused of lacking leadership in Somalia
MOGADISHU, Somalia – Political pressure continues to escalate in Somalia following the recent statement by the Council of Presidential Candidates, which now accuses outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo of not showing “leadership” at the time when it is necessary.
The harshly worded statement comes hours after international societal talks apparently collapsed on Wednesday, with the Villa Somalia team accusing Jubaland and Northeastern State of complacency. But the two states insist the presidency is to blame for the current dead end.
The Council was formed in November 2020 and consists of 14 hopes for the President. Its members have considerable influence and include two former presidents and the former prime minister. The opposition group vehemently rejects President Farmajo’s government, arguing that he is without a legitimate mandate.
According to the council, Farmajo deliberately sabotaged the 4th Dhusamareeb summit on February 6 to create a pretense of his early withdrawal from the talks. Farmajo then sought an extension from parliament but was thwarted by lawmakers.
On the night of February 19, in the run-up to the planned election negotiations in Mogadishu, the council noted, Farmajo ordered an attack on two former Somali presidents and a former parliamentary speaker. The following morning, Farmajo sent security officers to break peaceful demonstrations held by the CPC and the former prime minister.
The council also claimed that Farmajo ordered the transfer of airport security responsibilities from the customs police, who have consistently had this duty, to the Haramcad forces – who are well known for their attacks on politicians and opposition figures. Farmajo intended to interfere in the security of Northeastern State and Jubaland’s delegations and stymie meetings with politicians, MPs and other sectors of society.
In what could trigger guilt games, the Council further said that Farmajo disrupted the inaugural meetings between the five regional states that would set the conference agenda and efforts of members of the international community to bring together the acting Prime Minister and FMS leaders.
On March 27, it noted that when meetings between FGS and FMS were underway, the Speaker of Parliament was instructed to force through a two-year extension, but was opposed by dissenting MPs who had died against the illegality of the move.
It also said that 15 MPs who blocked the extension attempt were banned from participating in parliament. Their photos were ordered to be published at checkpoints, and instructions were given to the security forces to physically prevent them from entering parliament if they defied the order.
According to the team, Farmajo’s intention was that the meetings between regional leaders and the federal government should not bear fruit. Farmajo’s information minister recorded a message a few days ago, accusing the heads of state of Northeastern State and Jubbaland of not convening a conference.
The statement ends with the council praising the leaders of Northeastern State and Jubaland for their patience and perseverance, noting that Madobe and Deni have been in Mogadishu for almost a month.
The Council of Presidential Candidates consists of 15 candidates, among them former Presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire and Wadajir party leader Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame.
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