MOGADISHU, Somalia – Outgoing President Farmajo met the new police chief in Mogadishu on Wednesday amid tensions in the Somali capital following an illegal extension of his tenure by the House of Commons in a move that has sparked war in the country.
Farmajo had its term extended as the lower house insisted that the country would now hold direct elections within two years, a move that technically overturned the September bargaining agreement, which among other things had approved an improved clan-based election model.
At Villa Somalia, Farmajo met Farhan Qoroole, the closest commander of the Harmcad forces, who had previously worked with Al Shabaab’s Amniyat [assasions wing] before joining the Somali police. Somalia usually brings defectors on board to security forces.
Farhan Qoroole replaced Sadak John, who was fired by Farmajo, after comments he made about the current election death in Somalia. In a statement, Sadak had tried to cancel lower house meetings, a move that did not go well with the government.
Mr. Farhan Qoroole will now be in charge of security in the capital Mogadishu, which has been the starting point for tectonic political forces. Earlier in the week, a former senior member of SNA troops warned that he would take over Mogadishu Airport.
Former Benadir Regional Police Commander Sadaq John took up residence on Wednesday night in his clan-dominated Shirkole neighborhood in Mogadishu, and it is also suspected that Villa Somalia will try to attack, which could be the beginning of violence in the capital.
Later, crossing the Balck Sea and carrying the Ubah in the capital was closed by Harmacad forces in armored vehicles following the arrival of former Benadir Regional Police Commander Sadaq John in the village.
Some reports also indicate that Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble will meet Galmadug President Ahmed Abdi Karie alias Qoor-Qoor in Villa Somalia later on Wednesday. The meeting came hours after parts of Mogadishu witnessed military activity.
AXADLETM
