A statement from the National Salvation Forum stated that they would not give up if the outgoing leaders of the federal government acted for an extended period of time, strongly condemning the decision of the Speaker of the House of People Mohamed Mursal Abdirahman to suspend 15 members of parliament from attending parliamentary sessions.
The Somali National Salvation Forum said it also strongly opposes the extension of the term of the outgoing President and Parliament.
“The term of the Parliament ended on December 28, 2020, and the term of the President ended on February 8, 2021. No decision or law can be above the Constitution. “Article 60 of the Constitution defines the term of office of the Parliament and stated as follows,” The statement said.
The forum described the extension as a step towards establishing a dictatorship, undermining efforts to hold elections in the country and undermining the peace, democracy and state-building process in Somalia.
“The Forum declares that it will not relinquish its mandate for an extended period of time that will disrupt the elections and undermine stability, democracy and development in the country,” Reads part of the statement.
The statement also condemned the decision of Speaker of the House of the people Parliament Mohamed Mursal Abdirahman to suspend 15 members of parliament for the next five sessions and endangering their personal safety.
“The forum blames the Speaker of the House of the People, Mohamed Mursal Sheikh Abdirahman for placing the names of the lawmakers at military checkpoints and ordering the use of force, this really endangers their lives which is uncalled for” The statement said.
“The forum also condemns the infiltration of the security forces in the House of the People parliament buildings armed to the teeth. The move is a clear example of a plan by the federal government to use the military to loot the country’s elections. It reinforces the Forum’s call for the transfer of responsibility for security to the outgoing President.” Said the Statement.
BY OSMAN HUSSEIN ALI
