Somalia's Parliamentary Session Remains Closed Amid No-Confidence Motion Threats

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia's 5th parliamentary session has been delayed indefinitely. Lawmaker Abdirashid Hidig accused senior government officials of thwarting the session's start to avoid a planned no-confidence vote against the executive branch.

The session, initially set for February 6, has been stalled amid rising political tensions, with Hidig warning that if parliament does not reconvene, lawmakers will gather elsewhere to discuss the agenda, including a pending no-confidence motion.

"It is illegal for individuals to hijack the national assembly over fear of a motion," he added, pointing the finger of the blame at leaders in Villa Somalia, who control the parliament leadership.

Speaker of Parliament Sheikh Adan Madobe has been accused of colluding with Villa Somalia, the executive's headquarters, to shield the government from legislative scrutiny. This move led to a lack of transparency and corruption in the current government.

The Federal MP further lambasted Hassan Sheikh's administration for using the Somali National Army against his political adversaries, particularly in Jubaland and the opposition gatherings in Mogadishu, drawing parallels to tactics used under former President Mohamed Farmaajo.

The delay in parliament's reopening exacerbates the political uncertainty in Somalia, as demands for transparency and reform grow louder within the nation.

GAROWE ONLINE