Somalia: Another Political infighting ‘inevitable in Mogadishu’

It is a tradition for Somalia leaders to disagree on key issues but now I do predict that another political infighting between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abdweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed is inevitable at all costs following the removal of presidential aide from the post.

The ouster of Abdullahi Mohamed Ali (Sanbaloshe) definitely dealt blow to President Hassan who believes he is firmly in charge of state affairs and willing to exert influence over each and every prime minister under his incumbency but behind the scenes of looming infighting remain far-deeper than we thought.

Prime Minister Abdiweli has not sacked Sanbaloshe but quite a few people, mainly in Mogadishu think that Council of Ministers chose to abide by a call for impeachment by the Prime Minister.

Mohamud himself felt ill at ease with the emergency cabinet meeting and could be planning to further discuss the possibility that the Prime Minister wants to step up visible clout in the cabinet in accordance with the Provisional Federal constitution (PFC) clauses with his henchmen.

Indelible intelligence Chief

On July 10, President Hassan assigned Sanbaloshe to the post in an attempt to cement ‘Dam-Jadiid’ (The new blood) -religious wing that the President belongs to-faction’s power, nevertheless his hope was derailed by the meeting being held on Sunday [On September 7] instead of Friday,  a day on which weekly cabinet meets take place.

If Sanbaloshe remained indelible National Intelligence Agency Chief in the heavily militarized compound of Villa Somalia, he wouldn’t get fired; analysts suggest and by now Dam-Jadiid is holding the Prime Minister accountable for the firing.

In an interview with Somali Channel TV, Mohamed who was appearing assured and extremely confident blamed Sanbaloshe for abuse of power by defending the decision of council of ministers.

Even in Mogadishu, Hawiye clan elders were not satisfied with Sanbaloshe after massive disarmament operation targeted the houses of warmongers who had been shedding the blood of innocent civilians for nearly two-decades and instead urged the central government propped-up by over 20, 0000-strong peacekeepers to balloon the disarmament into statewide operation.

It’s also noteworthy to mention that Mustaf Dhuhow, the current minister of Information voiced opposition to tougher measures against independent media houses in Mogadishu and directly said disparaging words of Sanbaloshe.

Strong Chief of Intelligence was voted out of office but he is still regarded as influential player as well as a man capable of manipulating the already-turbulent Dam-Jadiid policy.

President likely to leave!

Although the President of Somalia’s Federal Government is shoring up support for a no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister, the chance is slander and overwhelming majority of parliamentarians are likely to reverse the campaign.

Dam-Jadiid unleashed menace on former Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon in December 2013 when general assembly members sided with Dam-Jadiid to vote the late vocal opponent out of office, henceforth the second political menace had better fail and expose the secrecy all along.

At the present time, Hassan doesn't rule the roost and in the corridors of power his rein continuous to lessen.

Once and for all, President Hassan will be deposed late Abdullahi Yusuf-style if the political infighting comes into being in the days ahead. 

Abdirashid M. Dahir has contributed to this column. Follow him on Twitter @puntsom