Somalia: Anti-President Hassan caucus rebuffs mediation talks on impeachment

MOGADISHU, Somalia, September 14, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Backers of no confidence motion in Federal Government of Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud have refused to sit down with the Prime Minister, further stoking political tension, Garowe Online reports.

Member of Parliament Abdirahman Hosh Jibril hinted that proponents of impeachment motion do not want that President Mohamud be represented in mediation talks.

Speaking on BBC Somali Service Jibril, former ally and now vocal opponent said, they only accused the President of constitutional violations and corruption, not Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke.

Moreover, he noted that they are ready to settle crisis spurred by the motion through amicable means.

Meanwhile, female MP Khadija Mohamed Dirie has opposed the bold challenge against Mohamud, calling it ‘unconstitutional’.

On August 12, Parliament Speaker Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari received no confidence motion from lawmakers said to be numbering over 90.

MPs have lambasted Mohamud whose three-year presidency was marred by corruption, for blatant disregard for the Provisional Federal Constitution.

On August 18, Somalia’s embattled President was quoted as saying; he was keen to appear in the 275-seat-chamber of parliament for address in the wake of the motion.

On Sunday, Somali political leaders have agreed to discuss format for transition by 2016 following the suspension of expected popular vote. 

GAROWE ONLINE