Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister Faces No-confidence Motion In Parliament

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Moallim Fiqi could be in trouble shortly after legislators waged a no-confidence motion against him, a move which could significantly affect his chances of surviving in the ministry.

Lower House lawmakers tabled a motion against him, criticizing his mode of leadership at the ministry while calling for his immediate removal from office. The motion was presented on Saturday, officials said.

In their accusations, the lawmakers accused him of centralization of operations within the critical ministry, noting that most things get paralyzed once he is out of the country or elsewhere for official functions held by the ministry.

Further, the lawmakers raised concerns about the misuse of the official rubberstamp of the ministry, with officers asking for extra fees for the delivery of essential services. Much of the money collected goes for personal gains, they said.

Fiqi, a confidant of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is yet to respond to the accusations. The motion is expected to be debated in upcoming parliamentary sessions, with removal from office being an option.

Last week, Fiqi was part of the delegation of Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Among others, the delegation fiercely opposed Ethiopia's planned encroachment into Somalia's territory..

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has the power to act on the recommendations by the lawmakers should they make a decision. Barre, who is the head of government, also has a cordial relationship with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

GAROWE ONLINE