Statement by the PM on the Current Political Crisis
In the Name of God, The Merciful and Compassionate.
Warm greetings to the Somali people wherever you might be.
I want to share with the Somali people that the reckless measures taken today by former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo are a deliberate attempt to overthrow the government, the Constitution, and the laws of the land.
This morning, Farmajo stormed the Offices of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, using violent military means with the purpose of disrupting the operations of the council of ministers towards their national duties.
His motive was clear; to disrupt the electoral process and to prolong his illegal grip on the presidency as he attempted to do in April 2021, which led to a violent political crisis in the capital.
Now, considering the grave risk associated with the former presidentโs determination to dismantle government institutions and also given the lack of legitimate and legal mandate to run the country, I would like to assure the Somali people as follows:
โ That the Federal Government of Somalia will fulfill its constitutional mandate, especially in this time of transition, and therefore is accountable to the Somali people for all government functions, policy guidance, and management of the national duties.
โ That the former president, Farmajo, who is a presidential candidate, shall be treated no different from any other presidential contender. His repeated violations of the powers conferred upon him by the constitution and resolution to transgress the armed forces in his bid for Presidency has shown clear conflict of interest, which undermines the functioning of the government and overall national security of the state.
โ That all armed forces are therefore instructed to report directly to the government administration under my leadership and anyone who defies this directive will face the full weight of the law immediately.
Once again, I reaffirm my commitment and determination to the people of Somalia as we hold free and fair elections that will usher in a peaceful transfer of power and which will also end the current political stalemate that was brought about by the former president