Somalia: Lower House sitting postponed following Saturday's chaos

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Lower House has postponed a sitting that was scheduled for today [Monday], just a day after a chaotic session that was triggered by suspicions and counter-accusations over the intention, a move that led to the suspension of 15 MPs.

A circular issued on Sunday indicated that Speaker Mohamed Mursal had postponed the sitting following pressure from members of the International Community and to some extent, the Federal Government of Somalia.

While the team allied to Speaker Mursal and outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo insist that the sitting was to debate on COVID-19 protocols, there were reports that MPs are plotting to extend the term of the current administration.

President Farmajo's tenure expired on Feb 8 but he has failed to hold elections, leading to the current standoff. The term of parliament also expired last year but they extended it contrary to the provisional constitution of the country.

MPs in the Lower House of Somali parliament were notified that there will be a sitting Monday at 9:00 a.m. with the agenda COVID-19 and endorsement of members of the border team, in a circular seen by Garowe Online.

Saturday's session ended in chaos after opposition MPs averted an alleged plot to extend Farmajo's term. The chaotic scenes have since been condemned by the international community and other stakeholders who accuse Farmajo of plunging the country into civil wars.

Sources revealed to Garowe Online that US, UK, EU and UN envoys in Mogadishu spoke on the phone with Lower House speaker Mursal, telling him that an extension is "unacceptable" and if happened, House leadership will be held accountable. International partners expected to release a statement on the issue Monday.

GAROWE ONLINE