Somali MPs have tabled a motion of impeachment against President Mohamed Farmaajo. The tabling was presided over by Speaker Mohamed Mursal. Farmaajo is accused of violating extradition laws in the Qalbi Dhagah case, abusing Presidential powers by signing secret agreements, violating federal principles and military as well as criminal laws.
This is not the first time Somali Parliamentarians have gone for impeachment, with the first attempt having suffered a stillbirth. Allegations were thrown around that the UAE had pumped in $500 000 to encourage the motion. Such allegations might resurface this time around. Equally suspicious is how the motion has been tabled only hours after UK Ambassador to Somalia met Speaker Mursal for “briefing on the key political and parliamentary issues he is dealing with”. Just a few days before, reports had emerged of a collision between Mursal and Farmaajo and Khaire over the country’s South West elections. Mursal also called for the reinstallment of the disbanded House Finance and Budget Committee.
Mursal took over from Mohamed Osman Jawari in April 2018. Jawari was accused of aligning himself with the opposition and orchestrating a motion for impeachment against Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire’s government. Parliamentarians aligned to the Prime Minister moved for a vote of no confidence in Jawari who was pressurised into leaving office. It seems the chickens have, however, come home to roost. It remains to be seen if the President will be impeached. For the impeachment to pass, a two-thirds majority of the joint session of parliament is required.
