Beaten to submission, Farmajo turns sword to "unknown" foreigners

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia politics took another U-turn on Tuesday following unlikely statements from leaders allied to the current administration, something which could have lifetime implications to the political career of Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed better known as Farmajo.

In a series of press statements, HirShabelle leader Ali Guudlaawe, Galmadug President Ahmed Abdi Kariye alias Qoor-Qoor and Southwest's Lafta-Gareen, who have been staunch supporters of Farmajo, opposed two-year term extension, which they had initially supported.

For Somalia's to move forward, the leaders said, implementation of the September 17 pre-election deal and Baidoa recommendations were the only ideal pathways to the restoration of peace in the country, which had almost plunged into civil war.

Over the weekend, skirmishes rocked most parts of Mogadishu where forces allied to the opposition have claimed victory. Whether choreographed or uncoordinated, the statements from Farmaajo's allies may have pushed him to the corner, perhaps due to immense pressure from members of the international community.

And now, Farmajo is blaming unknown foreign enemies, who he accuses of destabilizing the country due to their vested interests. He did not name any individual or country behind the debacles but previously, Kenya and Djibouti had been the punching bag.

"We have defeated numerous outside influences that have invested significant financial and human resources in order to undermine our country’s development and serve their own interests," he said on Tuesday. "We refuse to allow our youth to be used as tools that destroy the lives and properties of Somali people."

To nurse perhaps his wounds probably due to persistent pressure from the international community and members of the opposition, Farmajo has now indicated plans to go back to Lower House and dissuade them from term extension.

Speaker Mohamed Mursal, who has been the architect of the president's moves, has already called an extraordinary session on Saturday, where Farmajo is expected to disown term extension and go back to the negotiation table.

"Therefore, I have decided to appear before the members of the House of the People of the Federal Parliament on Saturday to gain their endorsement for the electoral process that as agreed upon between the Federal Government, the Heads of the Federal Member States and the Governor of BRA," he said.

"The Federal Government of Somalia has always believed, and still sees dialogue, compromise, negotiation and the return to the discussion table as the only viable options, while honoring the 17 September 2020 agreement and the recommendations of the Baidoa Technical Committee," added Farmajo.

Most members of the opposition welcomed statements from Hirshabelle, Southwest, and Galmadug besides the call from Omar Filish, the governor of the Banadir region. Former Presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud termed the statements "historic".

Farmajo now wants a ceasefire in the country, adding that the safety of innocent civilians is important. He asked the people to support the Somali Security Forces which have been hugely divided over the latest political quagmire.

"Finally, I urge all security agencies to maintain the stability of the Capital and the safety of innocent civilians, avoiding any actions that may lead to insecurity. I also urge the Somali people to support the armed forces in this regard."

GAROWE ONLINE