Somalia's interim Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Sharmarke has retraited that he would not leave office even as President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed ponders plans to appoint a new premier.

Inner sources within PM office told Garowe Online that some associates of President Sharif have approached Omar with the idea of stepping down, but he snubbed them and insisted on his stay until his tenure constitutionally expires.    

Somali PM Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmake

“The PM refused to relinquish his position and vowed not to accept any offer from Sheikh Sharif,” said a close associate of Omar, who requested anonymity.

Ahmed is now reported to be planning the appointment of a new prime minister from a list of favorite nominees including Minister for Higher Education and Heritage Mohamed Abdullahi Omar, Army General Ali Madobe and Mohammed Abdirisaq, who works at the UN Political Office for Somalia.

Last week, he unilaterally dissolved Omar’s government and vowed to appoint a new prime Minister soon. He however, days later rescinded decision after holding wide consultation with constitutional lawyers, MPs and other top government officials.

The president of Somalia’s Puntland state is lending an olive branch to help resolve dispute between the two Somali leaders, warning of an ultimate collapse of the government if the problem is not solved quickly and amicably.

“The dispute could cause the collapse of the TFG, we have discussed this with Sheikh Sharif and we have agreed that it should be settled,” said Puntland President.

Meanwhile, Somalia;s finance minister Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden has officially relinquished his position to enable him run for the speaker’s position recently left vacant by Sheikh Adan Mohammed Nur Madobe.

Already his candidature has attracted criticism from some lawmakers, who accused him of embezzlement of state funds while on the finance docket.

Four other contenders have shown interest in the position and the 15-member interim parliament chair team which was tasked to organize the elections of speaker announced 28 May as the official day for the election.

GAROWE ONLINE