Somalia’s opposition MPs call for resumption of parliamentary sessions to remove speaker

A group of Somali opposition lawmakers called on Sunday for the immediate resumption of parliamentary sessions, accusing the federal parliament’s leadership of unlawfully suspending meetings.

The lawmakers, numbering over 100, have filed a motion to remove the Speaker of the House of the People, Sheikh Aden Madobe. They accuse him of obstructing parliamentary work and violating the constitution.

The motion follows controversy over the speaker’s decision to remove opposition lawmaker Dr. Abdullahi Hashi Abib from Parliament in March, citing absenteeism. The move was met with criticism, with opponents arguing that Madobe acted unilaterally and breached parliamentary procedures.

Speaker Madobe has yet to publicly comment on the motion or address the allegations. Parliamentary sources suggest behind-the-scenes discussions are ongoing to resolve the issue. However, no formal sessions have been scheduled.

Opposition lawmakers are demanding that Parliament be reopened to allow the motion to be debated.

The situation adds to the challenges facing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government with just about a year left in his term. The Parliament has previously faced accusations of being a rubber stamp for the president. It remains to be seen how the current deadlock will unfold and whether it will be resolved in the coming weeks.