Farmajo meets new Mogadishu police boss, a former terrorist

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Outgoing President Farmajo on Wednesday met the new Mogadishu police boss, amid tensions in the Somali capital, following an unlawful extension of his term by the Lower House, in a move which has triggered wrangles in the country.

Farmajo had his term extended as Lower House insisted the country will now hold direct elections within two years, a move which technically overruled the September pre-election deal, which among others, had approved an improved clan-based model of elections.

At Villa Somalia, Farmajo met Farhan Qoroole, the immediate Commander of the Harmcad Forces and who previously worked with Al Shabaab's Amniyat [assasions wing] before he joined the Somali police. Somalia usually brings on board defectors to security forces.

Farhan Qoroole replaced Sadak John, who was sacked by Farmajo, following comments he made about the current electoral impasse in Somalia. In a statement, Sadak had tried to cancel Lower House sittings a move that did not go well with the government.

Mr. Farhan Qoroole will now be in charge of the security within the capital Mogadishu, which has been the hotbed of tectonic political forces. Early this week, a former senior member of SNA troops warned that he will take over Mogadishu Airport.

The former Benadir Regional Police Commander Sadaq John on Wednesday night took up residence in his clan-dominated Shirkole neighborhood in Mogadishu, and there are also suspicions that the Villa Somalia will try to attack, which could be the beginning of violence in the capital.

Later, intersections of Balck sea and bar Ubah in the capital city were closed by Harmacad forces in armored vehicles, following the arrival of former Benadir Regional Police Commander Sadaq John in the village.

Some reports also indicate that Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble meet Galmadug President Ahmed Abdi Karie alias Qoor-Qoor in Villa Somalia later on Wednesday. The meeting came hours after parts of Mogadishu witnessed military activities. 

GAROWE ONLINE