Somalia PM Roble responds to outgoing president as cracks widen

Somali PM said no to a decree issued by Farmajo on Saturday barring government from signing deals [File Photo]

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble has responded to outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, in the latest twist that shows cracks in the federal government, something which could significantly determine the future of the Horn of Africa nation.

On Sunday, Roble seemed to discredit Farmaajo's decree suspending the signing of bilateral agreements with other nations or departments, in what may have targeted Roble's impeding trip to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

Roble who assumed the premiership in October 2020, asked the cabinet to proceed with business as usual, a directive with directly contradicts Farmaajo's stand. The president had ordered government officials the desist from signing any agreement.

Roble, who has lately been trying to stamp authority in the Horn of Africa nation, said the Council of Ministers has full authority until a new government comes into being, meaning that he's determined to oversee the full transition.

"In accordance with Article 97, Clause 1 of the Provisional Constitution, the executive power of the Federal Republic shall be vested in the Council of Ministers, which shall act in accordance with the Constitution, and shall have the highest authority," the statement read in part.

Farmaajo, whose term expired on Feb 8, had on Saturday Saturday evening ordered all government officials not to enter into any agreements both locally and internationally until a new government is elected.

According to the Farmaajo, who has been leading a turbulent government, his administration does not have the authority to conduct business on behalf of the state, thus restricting institutions from executing their mandate.

His others came at the time Kenya's Foreign Affairs Minister Raychelle Omamo is visiting Somalia, where she's set to sign a host of bilateral agreements, including but not limited to Khat trade, which had been banned by Somalia.

The Kenyan minister met with PM Roble and handed him an invitation from President Uhuru Kenyatta. There had been reports Kenya was seeking a lift on the Khat ban by Somalia; a matter which may have necessitated Farmaajo's move.

But in his response, Roble said his government had the authority to enter into agreements. This is another evidence that the PM and Farmaajo are not speaking from the same script something which will hinder future cooperations.

"The government is also responsible for enforcing the law, maintaining security, protecting the interests of the country and the people of Somalia, and the National Constitution mandates the Federal Government to negotiate foreign aid, trade, treaties or issues. important in relation to international agreements," Roble said.

The exchanges are likely to widen the rift between the two leaders. Roble was given full mandate to conduct elections in Somalia, which opposition had accused Farmaajo of planning to rig in his favour.

GAROWE ONLINE