Somalia: Crisis deepens in Somaliland as nine cabinet members resign

HARGEISA, Somalia, October 26, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Political wrangle within Somaliland’s ruling Kulmiye Party has degenerated into full-blown crisis after nine cabinet members have resigned from posts on Monday, Garowe Online reports.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Bihi Yonis, State Minister for Presidency Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan, Labour Minister Abdi Aw Dahir, Justice Minister Hussein Ahmed Aideed, Education Minister Farah Elmi Geedoole, Public Works and Housing Minister Abdirizak Khalif Ahmed, Agriculture Minister, Deputy Minister of Reintegration Nimo Hussein Qowdhan and Deputy Environment Minister have announced their resignation at a press conference in the capital Hargeisa, in a major blow to President Ahmed Mohamed Siilaanyo and ruling party leader Musse Bihi Abdi.

The cabinet members were angered by a presidential order, demanding political rivals of Abdi to throw support behind his candidacy for Somaliland presidency ahead of general elections in early 2017.

In a separate development, Presidential Spokesman Ahmed Saleban Dhuhul stepped down.

The damaging dispute that has already splintered Kulmiye, has been dragging on over the last two weeks.

President Siilaanyo and Musse Bihi Abdi are both facing watershed moments, with opposition standing in unity.

Three heavyweights-Yonis, Former Finance Minister Abdiasis Mohamed Samale and MP Kijandhe-had since been jockeying against Abdi.

GAROWE ONLINE