Opposition leader warns outsiders against recognizing Farmajo

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Wadajir leader Abdirahman Abdishakur who also an opposition presidential candidate has warned the international community against recognizing Farmajo, whose term expired on Monday after four years at the helm of the country's leadership.

The term of the president expired on Monday and he's now depending on the mercy of parliament which may or may not extend his term. Parliament's term expired in December, something which might now raise serious legal questions on the mandate.

On his Twitter account, Abdirahman Abdishakur, who is a chief critic of Farmajo, said external actors should desist from legitimizing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo's term, who he now says an ex-President.

He asked Farmajo to accept that his term had ended, arguing that he should respect the law so that he's given the privileges of a former president. Farmajo still has a right to seek re-election, something which seems to be a little bit difficult.

"President Farmajo's term of office has ended. Anyone who justifies for him to continue staying in power will be partly responsible for the country's instability and collapse. We call on outgoing President to abide by the constitution to avoid losing the rights of a former president," he said.

"Farmajo has sent Roble to parliament which its term has expired, to ask for 4 extensions. However, opposition MPs blocked the move. Members of the IC who r still entertaining Farmajo whose term has ended will share part of the responsibility 4 instability that will be caused by him," he added.

The opposition leaders led by former Presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had also warned the international community against supporting Farmajo. On Monday, the foreign partners had congratulated Farmajo for his efforts to hold dialogue.

GAROWE ONLINE