Somalia: Farmajo nullifies appointments by PM amid fallout

MOGADISHU, Somalia - ‎The federal government of Somalia will not be able to make any state appointments until after elections, outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has said, in yet another decree that comes weeks before presidential polls.

Last year, Farmajo issued a decree banning the signing of any international cooperation agreement with any state or organization until elections are held. However, this decree has often been disregarded given the number of agreements that are often signed

On Tuesday, Farmajo said the directive took effect on April 14 when the new parliament took over, adding that the directive will assist in the prevention of possible abuse of office by state officers who may embezzle public funds.

"The President, therefore, nullifies all changes and appointments made after April 14 and urges Director-General of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, Acting Director-General of the National Telecommunications Authority, and Somali bureau of standards to continue serving their duties."

Farmajo, whose term expired last year, ordered government agencies to refrain from abusing public offices, adding that they should always work hard to the advantage of the public instead of enriching themselves. Public officers, he noted, should always guard their offices.

The decree comes days after Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble approved a number of public appointments last month.

Also in the mix is an agreement secretly signed by the Petroleum and Mineral resource minister Eng. Abdirashid Ahmed in February with a US company named Coastline Exploration Ltd. The agreement has been disowned by both Farmajo and PM Roble.

While Ahmed insisted Villa Somalia was aware of the agreement, the president distanced himself from it, arguing that it was against the law. The company is reportedly exploring options of taking the Somali government to court over the standoff.

GAROWE ONLINE