AMN/ WEB DESK
Somalian Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble has been suspended. Somalia’s President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has suspended the Prime Minister, who is facing allegations of involvement in the theft of land. Mr Farmajo said, he was suspending the Prime Minister pending the outcome of an investigation into the corruption allegations.
Mohamed Hussein Roble accused the President of trying to stage a coup and said, he would continue in office. He urged the security forces to take orders from him rather than Mr Farmajo. The term of Farmajo officially ended in February but was extended because of disagreements over how to choose a new incumbent.
Troops loyal to the President earlier failed to block Mr Roble from entering his office in the capital Mogadishu. The two men have been involved in a long-running power struggle, raising fears of further instability in Somalia.
Somalia has not had an effective Central Government since the overthrow of long-serving ruler Siad Barre in 1991. The country is marred by disputes between rival politicians and clans. It is also battling an insurgency by al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda affiliate.
A complex election for Parliament, which involves clan elders choosing MPs, has been underway since November. It was supposed to have concluded by 24th of December, but the deadline was missed. The two leaders have accused each other of undermining the elections.