April 29, 2021 Share
Somalia’s opposition politicians have cautiously welcomed President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed’s move to drop a controversial two-year extension of his term in office. But questions remain on his intentions, and how the country is going to hold already-delayed elections.
Forces loyal to opposition leaders and government security agencies had clashed in Mogadishu on Sunday, injuring several people. But residents who fled their neighborhoods are returning home now that the president, commonly known as Farmajo, and Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble are calling for calm.
While members of the opposition supported Farmajo’s announcement Tuesday, they remain skeptical about the next moves by the president, whose term in office expired in February.
Farmaajo to address anxious Somalia public as allies flee his camp
Wednesday April 28 2021
People hold posters of Somalia s President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed during the protest against him in Mogadishu, Somalia, on April 25, 2021. PHOTO | AFP
Summary
With the decamping of his two main allies, Farmaajo could on Tuesday decide to return to dialogue for an indirect election as demanded by the opposition. Or, he could stay put and create more turmoil.
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Somalia’s President Mohamed Farmaajo was on Tuesday evening expected to deliver a national address, as more of his closest allies fled his camp over a simmering electoral dispute.
Clashes reported in Mogadishu over tense election fiasco
Monday April 26 2021
Summary
The Lower House of Parliament extended their term and that of President Farmaajo by “not more than two years” according to a motion passed then.
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Authorities in Mogadishu have remained mum even as opposition leaders claimed government forces were unleashed on them on Sunday afternoon.
Former president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud claimed he had been attacked by “Farmaajo’s army”, just hours after Somali media outlets reported that ‘mutineers’ in the Somali National Army had taken control of various roads in the capital as they battled government forces and intelligence agents.