Somalia: Ex-President threatens to kick Farmajo out of Mogadishu amid political tensions

MOGADISHU- With almost a year to Somalia's 2020/21 polls, political climate is increasingly becoming unbearable with the opposition team ganging up against President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo's regime.

A revamped opposition under Forum for National Parties (FNP) which brings together six major parties, has questioned Federal Goverment's alleged intimidation and supersession, threatening a major fight back.

On Sunday, a standoff ensued as Aden Adde International Airport after authorities reportedly delayed the flight of two former presidents and their delegation.

Even though Presidents Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud were allowed to travel to flood-hit Beledweyne, there were also attempts to block them from landing.

In a press conference on Sunday, Mr Sharif Sheikh, who chairs FNP, took a swipe at Farmajo's administration, warning of dire consequences should 'oppression and intimidations' persist.

“This City was once ruled by Mooryaans (outlaw militias), they were fought off and kicked out. Ethiopians entered, and they were kicked out," the former president fired back.

"Al-Shabaab occupied [and were removed]. Are they (Federal Goverment) stronger? I swear to Allah, if they don’t stop we will remove them," he further said.

The escalating political tensions in Mogadishu could further worry international community which has tried to foster peace and stability in Somalia for three decades.

Coupled with Al-Shabaab threats, hunger, floods and regional governments exclusions, Farmajo is increasingly becoming a lone ranger in his own backyard, a move that endangers his stay in power.

Federal Goverment MP Abdirizak Mohamed confirmed the alleged attempts to block the delegation from flying to Beledweyne, terming the move as violation of the Constitution.

"After resisting the illegal attempt by the FGS to restrict our constitutional right to travel to Beletwein to deliver humanitarian funds, we are now on board the plane and heading to Beletwein," he said.

The opposition team had contributed over $200,000 to help the victims of the flood-hit town on Middle Shebelle region. Over 20 people had been swept with floods in October.

It was not the first time the FGS was allegedly plotting to limit the movement of the former leaders. In September, Sharif Sheikh was blocked from travelling to Kismayo for Sheikh Madobe's inauguration.

Later on, the delegation is understood to have used a Kenyan plane to land in Kismayo in October, a move that forced Mogadishu to reprimand Nairobi for violation of aviation rules.

Last week, the FNP launched manifesto where they have listed political suppression and violation of human rights as somd of major issues they will fight against.

The term of the current parliament expires in October next year before the country goes for general election. Parliament is currently enacting election laws.

AMISOM troops are expected to exit Somalia in 2021, a transition which makes the 2020 polls critical not only for Mogadishu but also for international community. 

GAROWE ONLINE