Somalia’s parliamentary roads in Mogadishu closed, heavy security views
MOGADISHU, Somalia – Heavy presence of security forces has been seen along all roads leading to the parliament in Mogadishu, just ahead of the stormy session, which is expected to start already now after Monday’s postponement.
Last Saturday, MPs from both sides of the political divide shouted at each other in parliament on suspicion of a possible extension of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo’s term as the current issue. House Speaker Mohamed Mursal suspended 15 opposition members.
It is not clear why security forces were stationed in different parts of the city, and such an approach has often divided the country’s political leadership. Those in opposition accuse the government of using security forces to intimidate them.
But there are fears that clashes could occur because suspended MPs could attend the session and thus the presence of security forces in the capital. The 15 MPs had promised to attend all the remaining sessions, arguing that their suspension was illegal.
A message sent to MPs from the lower house invites them to attend Wednesday’s session. At the top of the agenda includes COVID-19, which approves new two members for the border team and the Refugee Act.
Some MPs argue that the House leadership during the session could still bring a surprise, 4th agenda, which extended the term of government.
Extension of office is a politically and legally contentious issue because Parliament’s term of office expired on 28 December 2020, while Farmajoo’s term expired on 8 February 2021. Parliament’s two chambers do not agree on an extension. But supporters of the extension claim the election negotiations are at a dead end.
On Tuesday, the National Salvation Forum reiterated its opposition to the term extension and said it would not look vacant at an extension aimed at disrupting the election.
The statement came when parliament convened MPs for a session on Covid, Federal and Border Commission, National Refugee Act on Wednesday.
AXADLETM
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