Several federal lawmakers have asked President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to resign, criticizing his leadership style as the number of dissatisfied politicians increased over the past months.
Member of Parliament Yusuf Gamadiid stated on Saturday that President Mohamud centralized power, abolishing the system of government in three institutions and placing all authority under the office of the presidency.
“Mr. President, you have failed in the leadership of the country. It would be best if you became the first African President who has failed in leadership and resigned. President Hassan Sheikh has only one thing left to do: he has become an older man, and the country has fallen into a hole. Resign and step down,” said MP Gamadiid.
MP Gamadiid added that President Mohamud, who was in the opposition for five years under the previous government, was expected to drive the country forward but has not met those expectations.
Abdimaalik Abdalla, a member of the People’s Assembly of the Federal Parliament of Somalia, accused the government of instigating clan conflicts and facilitating the smuggling of illegal weapons and drugs into Somalia.
Inter-clan conflict in several regions of the country has killed dozens of people and displaced thousands over the last year. The government accused al-Shabab militants of fueling the conflict to create pressure on army forces.
“Hassan Sheikh and his team threatened the Farmaajo government, saying the country would return to 1991. Today, I would say congratulations; you have fulfilled your promise, and you have taken the country back to 1991. From Kismaayo to Somaliland, there is now an inter-clan war. They have returned the country to the dark period of 1991,” said MP Abdimalik Abdalla.
Political tensions have already started to escalate in the Southwest, Puntland, Galmudug, and Jubbaland states, as well as in the federal parliament houses. Elections are expected in Jubbaland, Southwest, and Galmudug this year.
Last week, the Somali Council of Ministers approved the establishment of the Independent National Electoral and Boundaries Commission, although details about this commission have not yet been provided.
