Farmajo Criticizes Somalia Govt Over Failed NCC Meeting, Urges Parliament Action

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia's ex-President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has lashed at the federal government of Somalia, raising questions about the botched National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting, which failed to agree on key issues regarding the state of affairs in the country.

The NCC meeting opened on October 2 in Mogadishu was terminated after Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe walked out and returned to Kismayo after deadlock over Villa Somalia's plan to extend the mandate of current government and Federal member states and election-related issues.

But in a statement, Farmajo expressed displeasure with how the meeting was organised, adding that the incident deepened divisions in the country. Further, he says, the people of Somalia have been left in uncertainty after the termination.

The former president attributed the misgivings to the desire of regional leaders and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to extend their terms in office. He said Hassan Sheikh is determined to remain in office by proposing constitutional reforms which can not be logically implemented.

"The failure of this meeting frustrates and divides the Somali people, leaving the country in a state of confusion and uncertainty," Farmaajo said. He called on the government to return to "the framework of law and governance" and to meet its obligations to implement an inclusive political system, for the sake of social-economic stability.

The current standoff, he said, can be solved by parliament, adding that should the conflict persist, the state governments and federal government operations could plunge into limbo in coming months.

"We urge the Federal Parliamentarians to stand up for the rescue of the country and to ensure the salvation of our government," he added.

Both Jubaland and Puntland have asked for inclusivity in proposed constitutional changes, arguing that the change from indirect polls could be untenable. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is pushing for the implementation of the changes amid protests from a number of federal states.

GAROWE ONLINE