Somalia: Somaliland Govt, opposition at loggerheads over term extension

HARGEISA, Somalia,May 26, 2015[Garowe Online]-The presidential term dispute between Somaliland opposition parties and ruling Kulmiye party has heated up after Vice President pulled out of trilateral talks in the capital, Hargeisa, Garowe Online reports.

At a joint press conference, Justice and Welfare Party (UCID) leader Faisal Ali Warabe and Wadani chairman and Parliament speaker Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro) accused government of reluctance, warning of potential collapse of talks.

The absence of Somaliland Vice President Abdirahman Saylici from talks venue infuriated opposition parties demanding for review of a year and ten month presidential term extension.

“If without consensus, 26^th of June is reached, we will not recognize the government. We won’t recognize the extension by House of Elders, “threatened UCID party leader.

“We will hold national conference to form inclusive [interim] government which then will organize elections,” added the leader of Somaliland’s Justice and Welfare Party.

On his side, Irro indicated during the news conference that opposition made many concessions but government reacts irresponsibly.

Talks hit brick wall

A week-old negotiation that brought together two main opposition parties and ruling Kulmiye party has yet to yield major breakthrough.

The talks hit brick wall over a decision to extend President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud (Siilaanyo)’s term in office by a year and ten months.

Opposition is calling for the suspension of term extension by Guurti [Traditional forum] while the government insists on respect for presidential term extension.

On May 11, Somaliland House of Elders extended the sitting President’s term in office for 22 months, sparking mass protests in the second largest city, Burao and opposition criticisms.

UN envoy to Somalia Ambassador Nicholas Kay said he is concerned about the term extension in a tweet in reaction at House of Elders decision. 

GAROWE ONLINE