Somalia: MPs Seek Removal of Interior Minister Ali Hosh Over Performance Concerns

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Members of Somalia's lower house of parliament on Tuesday submitted a no-confidence motion against Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation Minister Ali Yusuf Ali Hosh, accusing him of failing to properly carry out the responsibilities of his ministry.

Lawmakers said the motion had been under discussion for some time following complaints over the ministry's performance. It was formally presented to parliament on Tuesday and referred to a committee tasked with reviewing the motion.

MP Abdirahman Cagaweyne, speaking to the media, said lawmakers had raised concerns about the ministry's handling of security issues, clan conflicts and relations between the federal government and member states.

The lawmakers accused Hosh of failing to adequately address internal security challenges and recurring clan conflicts, which have periodically led to deadly clashes and displacement.

They also criticised the minister over what they described as shortcomings in defending and strengthening Somalia's federal system.

The motion comes amid growing political tensions between Somalia's federal government and some of the country's federal member states, with disagreements over political power-sharing, elections, security and the division of responsibilities between Mogadishu and regional administrations.

The Interior Ministry plays a key role in relations between the federal government and member states, reconciliation efforts, domestic administration and preparations for the country's electoral process.

The submission of the motion does not mean the minister has been removed from office. The parliamentary committee will review the allegations and the grounds presented by the lawmakers before the motion can proceed to a possible vote.

If the motion reaches the voting stage, members of the House of the People will decide whether Hosh should remain in office or be removed.

The move adds to mounting political pressure on the federal government as Somalia enters a sensitive period marked by disputes over elections, federalism and relations between the central government and regional administrations.

The government has yet to publicly respond to the allegations contained in the motion.

GAROWE ONLINE