Somalia's Parliament roads in Mogadishu closed, heavy security sighted

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Heavy presence of security forces has been sighted along all roads leading to parliament in Mogadishu, just ahead of the stormy session, which is anticipated to kick off any time from now, following Monday's postponement.

Last Saturday, MPs from either side of the political divide shouted at one another in parliament with suspicions over a possible extension of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo's term being the topical issue. House Speaker Mohamed Mursal suspended 15 opposition members.

It's not clear why security forces were stationed in different parts of the town, and such an approach has often divided the political leadership of the country. Those in opposition accuse the government of using security forces to intimidate them.

But there are fears that clashes might emerge because suspended MPs might attend the session, thus the presence of security forces in the capital. The 15 MPs had vowed to attend all the remaining sessions, arguing that their suspension was illegal.

A notice sent to Lower House MPs summons them to attend Wednesday's session. Top on the agenda includes COVID-19, endorsing new two members to the Border team, and the law of the Refugee.

Some MPs argue that during the session, the House leadership could still bring up a surprise, 4th agenda extending the government's term.

Term extension is a politically and legally contentious issue because Parliament’s term expired on Dec 28, 2020, while Farmaajo’s term expired on Feb 8, 2021. The two chambers of Parliament are not in agreement overextension. But supporters of extension argue elections talks are at an impasse.

On Tuesday, the National Salvation Forum reiterated its opposition to term extension saying won’t watch idly of an extension aimed at disrupting elections.

The statement came as the Parliament summoned MPs for a session on Covid, federal and border Commission, national refugee act, Wednesday.

GAROWE ONLINE