Somalia President ‘suspends’ prime minister amid tensions over elections

MOGADISHU: Somalia’s President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed has “suspended” the powers of Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, a statement released by the president’s office said on Sunday.

“The president decided to suspend prime minister Mohamed Hussein Roble and stop his powers since he was linked with corruption,” the statement said, accusing Roble of interfering with an investigation into a land-grabbing case.

The suspension of Roble’s powers comes after he and Mohamed entered into a war of words on Sunday, accusing each other of holding up the country’s ongoing parliamentary elections.

President Mohamed said the prime minister’s powers will remain suspended pending a probe over allegations of corruption and misconduct.

Roble “entered the fray with allegations of corruption and misappropriation of public funds, and an investigation is underway to determine the allegations, the work and powers of the prime minister have been suspended pending an investigation,” the president’s statement read.

It added that other members of the Council of Ministers would continue their duties in accordance with the laws and regulations of the country.

How has the prime minister responded?

In response, Roble has accused the president of attempting “to take over the office of the prime minister by force (in) a move violating the constitution and the law of the country.”

“The prime minister ... is committed to not being deterred by anyone in fulfilling his national duties in order to lead the country to elections that pave the way for peaceful power transfer,” said the statement released by Roble’s office.

The government spokesperson, Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu, also issued a post on Facebook describing the president’s action as unconstitutional. He said the prime minister would continue with his duties.