Somalia: PM calls demand for resignation ‘unfortunate’

MOGADISHU, Somalia Nov 17, 2014 (Garowe Online)-Federal Government of Somalia’s Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed Mohamed has denied that 14 cabinet ministers lodged demand for resignation, urging his council of ministers not to take sides in the country’s political dispute on Monday, Garowe Online reports.

In a press statement seen by GO, Prime Minister Mohamed called the demands for resignation by cabinet members unfortunate ,and at the same time asked resigning ministers to directly write to the office of the Prime Minister: “I appeal to the council of ministers to double public service and remain adamant of becoming anti-governance and anti-law  actors. I am ready to accept resignation letters from the ministers who are not able to rise to their responsibilities”.

Continuing, Somalia Prime Minister welcomed the efforts being undertaken by international community and urged Somali people to stand by the nation and the supremacy of the rule of law.

Warning of the magnitude of the challenges facing Somalia today, moreover he asked the cabinet ministers to play a neutral role in defusing the tension and normally exercise their day-to-day duties.

“I hereby clarify that I stand for the public interests, I will remain resilient against the negative agendas aimed at crumbling this nation piece by piece,” read the statement.

The remarks by the Prime Minister has followed calls for resignation by reportedly 14 cabinet ministers in support of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Prime Minister Mohamed has been at odds with President Mohamud over cabinet reshuffle as a result of replacement of key presidential aide with former Livestock Minister Salim Aliyow Ibrow last month.

Diplomatic efforts by UN envoy Nicholas Kay, EU’s Aleander Rondos and Michele Cervone d’Urso, British Ambassador Neil Wigan, Swedish envoy Mikeal Lindvall broke down, with the two refusing to ease their stance over the damaging political deadlock.

US, a key donor is said to have threatened political leadership with cuts in development and military aid to Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE