Somalia’s President Mohamed Farmaajo has suspended his Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble from his position, raising the stakes in their worsening working relationship.
In a statement issued by Villa Somalia, the official residence of the President, Farmaajo cited corruption for the move. It follows allegations of land grabbing linked to a parcel belonging to the Somali army near the popular Lido beach in Mogadishu.
“This decision to adjourn the powers of the Prime Minister is on the basis of an enquiry by Somali National Army in connection with an allegation regarding land grabbed by PM Roble, which belonged to the force,” read the statement.
Farmaajo justified his action by citing guidelines issued by the presidency on January 18, 2018 and October 27, 2021 with instructions strictly preventing personal use of public property by government officials.
“All state officials are instructed to refrain from abusing public properties and respect the laws of the country.”
But many are viewing the decision as a political play, given it is the second time in four months that Roble’s powers have been clipped.
