Somalia: Divisions loom in Senate over Deputy PM's ouster

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Internal divisions have intensified in Somalia after Senate Speaker Abdi Hashi Abdullahi declared a vacancy for the seat held by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Salah Ahmed Jama, whose frequent absence from the House is common in breach of Standing Orders.

Salah, a key figure in President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's administration, suffered the blow after missing four consecutive sittings against the Standing Orders as read with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

As his replacement, the Senate is considering the appointment of Ibrahim Suleiman Idle who ran against him in the last elections by Article 59(a) of the Provisional Constitution.

While making references to the constitution, the office of the speaker noted that the replacement must strictly come from those who competed in the last elections. Additionally, the 2016 Indirect Elections Agreement for seats representing Somaliland and northern regions was invoked.

But the decision is not going down well with several senators led by Osman Obokar Dubbe, who insisted that Salah's national duties have been overwhelming and are in the interests of the entire country, adding that he should be spared from the onslaught.

Dubbe accused the Speaker of overstepping his authority by attempting to oust Salah unlawfully, arguing that there should be a thorough assessment by the house, including scrutiny of the itinerary of the DPM, who is the principal assistant of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.

The speaker has since delayed the swearing-in of the presumptive successor following the weighty issues raised by opposing senators in defence of the DPM. The quagmire could affect businesses in the Upper House, analysts say.

But others insist there would be a huge clash between the enforcement of Standing Orders and other unparliamentary transactions in future should the resolution favour the Deputy Prime Minister.

GAROWE ONLINE