London Defender

The Daily Mirror of the Great Britain

Somalia’s President suspends the Prime Minister’s power amid allegations of corruption

Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo, 59, suspended the powers of Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, 58, the Government’s website has confirmed. In an update uploaded on December 27, the website said: “As the FGS Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble has come to the forefront of allegations of corruption and misappropriation of public funds, an investigation is underway to address the allegations, the work and powers of the Prime Minister have been suspended pending an investigation.

“The other members of the Council of Ministers shall continue in their duties in accordance with the laws and regulations of the country.

“All government officials are urged to refrain from misappropriating public funds and to abide by the laws and regulations of the country.”

Somalia’s Government website alleges the Prime Minister “received a tip-off” about misappropriated public land owned by the Somali National Army and “put pressure on the Minister of Defence to divert the investigation into allegations of encroachment”.

The news comes just hours after Reuters reported Mr Hussein Roble and Mr Abdullahi Farmaajo had locked horns over delays to the ongoing Somali election.

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Contests to elect some 275 representatives to the nation’s Parliament in Mogadishu started on November 1.

They were expected to be completed by December 24.

However, one new member claimed that by Christmas Day just 24 out of 275 representatives had been elected to the chamber.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Mr Abdullahi Farmaajo said: “The Prime Minister is posing a serious threat to the electoral process and overstepping his mandate.”

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The conflict came after supporters of Mr Hussein Roble and other opposition groups voiced their concern about Mr Abdullahi Farmaajo serving an additional two years as President.

Between 60,000 and 100,000 people were said to have fled their homes after supporters of both men clashed in the capital back in April.