Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has been in power since February 2017. However, amid his reign, the 58-year-old has established a salty relationship with his rivals. To date, the opposition leaders in the country fail to acknowledge him as the head of state.
Opposition Reject President Farmajo
Recently, an alliance comprising of Somali opposition leaders announced that they no longer regarded Farmajo as the head of state. They alleged that Mr. Farmajo’s reign ought to have ended early February. On the contrary, talks between federal representatives and the Central government hit a brick wall as the two parties reached no consensus. And opposition leaders eyeing the seat have already begun their campaigns.
Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, one of the presidential candidates, states that they no longer regarded Farmajo as the head of state. Thus, the presidential seat was vacant for the interested party. Abdishakur condemned Farmajo for being an obstacle to their nation for quite some time.
“We no longer recognize Farmajo as our President. His term has ended, and he is an obstacle to the nation and national elections. He couldn’t reach a deal with the regional leaders because he left the meeting on the elections; he can no longer be in charge as his tenure is over, ” said Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, a Somali presidential candidate.
Why Opposition is Bitter with Farmajo
The relationship between President Farmajo and federal leaders of Jubbaland, Puntland, South West, Galmudug, and Hirshabelle has been unstable. For some reason, it is because of the intense rivalry between them. Last year was the first time President Farmajo attended a one on one meeting with the leaders. He intended to mend his relationship with the Federal member states and discuss national security and economic issues.
Nevertheless, it is unfortunate that the federal states and central government cannot reach an agreement because of the existing political division. And it’s because of that that Somalia will miss the February 8th deadline election. And that has given birth to several controversies as initially, President Farmajo had pledged to ensure elections return to track.
Federal state President Mohamed Abdullahi returned to Mogadishu from the central town of Dhusamareb without landing any deal on staffing of the regional electoral commission. Somalia’s Information Minister, Osman Dubbe, told reporters on Friday that the government had offered to negotiate and settle all the disputed issues, but some leaders failed to understand.
He added that the government had shown flexibility and readiness to compromise. However, some leaders attempted to exploit the openness to seek more favors. Hence that’s why the meeting never ended well.
Does Farmajo Stand A Chance?
President Faajo, who happens to seek a second term in office, organizes another round of talks with the federal and central leaders. Farmajo’s rivals are concerned that he might urge the parliamentary members to change the constitution in his favor. And after all, extending the Presidents mandate means extending their mandate.
Meanwhile, the situation in Somalia has drawn international concerns. The foreign parties urge political leaders in Somalia to mend their relationship and embark on developing their country. More so, as Somalia is an under-developed war-prone country.
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