I will not contest for presidency, says Somalia's PM Roble

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble has cleared doubts that he will be running for presidential polls, days after he was associated with the move, following his incredible elections dispute resolution strategy.

Roble, who was first incorporated into government in October 2020, has been earmarked as a possible surprise candidate for elections having solved disputes that were almost plunging the country into possible anarchy after months of disagreements.

Last month, Roble held a national conversation that brought in all the political actors in the country which subsequently led to an amicable resolution of the election dispute, earning him accolades from different parts of the country.

Speaking at a welcoming ceremony in Mogadishu’s Daynile district in the capital on Friday, Somali PM Rooble made it clear that he won’t be a Presidential candidate in the upcoming elections, thus clearing the air after days of pressure from an impressed public.

“All candidates are the same to me and my biggest priority now is to achieve a free and transparent election,” said Roble, who is now taking the role of one of the best statesmen in the country, which has been in shambles for several months.

At the event, several locals attended and showcased confidence in his approach, which has even made the opposition leaders satisfied with the process, which had caused a lot of rifts for several months. There were concerns that the country may not hold elections.

Roble succeeded Hassan Ali Khaire, one of the men who is credited for bringing development stability to the country. Khaire has openly shown dissatisfaction with President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, whose tenure expired on Feb 8 this year.

Farmajo has already expressed interest in defending his seat but he has been under constant pressure from the opposition, which is keen to consolidate power. Somalia has struggled with instability for three decades now.

GAROWE ONLINE