Somalia PM Roble forms team to bring an end to Mogadishu violence

MOGADISHU, Somalia - For the second time in as many months, Somali authorities have formed a team that is supposed to investigate ugly scenes in the capital Mogadishu, which were both occasioned by differences over pre-election standoff which has lasted for a couple of months.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble formed a team that is supposed to investigate the most recent ugly scenes in Mogadishu, which saw a number of security officers clash due to conflicting political ideologies.

So severe were the clashes that top members of the Somali National Army [SNA] were directly involved, raising fears about the ability of the army to take over security responsibilities in the country. The forces are hugely divided along with their clans.

And Roble has now set a team of eleven people comprising of ministers and Members of Parliament, who will now investigate circumstances behind the clashes between pro-opposition and pro-government troops in the unpredictable capital.

Despite calls to leave to their bases, SNA troops who had taken over several parts of Mogadishu, have remained in their stations, arguing that Farmajo must relinquish security responsibilities since he "cannot be trusted".

The team has only five days to determine among others; negotiate on how to send mutineers back to their bases, resolve factors that led to the splits within SNA, and then diplomatically eliminate zones held by the opposition, which is popular in Mogadishu.

The recent violence irked foreign donors who have been backing Farmajo's government in bringing stability to Somalia. The donors prevailed against the term extension which he had signed, forcing him to get back to the negotiation table.

About a month ago, the government also established a technical committee to look into issues that led to ugly shootings in Mogadishu which targeted the opposition protestors. The opposition accuses Farmajo of getting help from Qatar and Turkey in unleashing violence.

Even as this happens, Farmajo, who has since directed PM Roble to convene a conference on May 20, continued with his daily routines. On Tuesday, he met a host of religious leaders who he hailed for "promoting" peace in the fragile nation.

"In the spirit of Ramadhan H.E Farmajo broke his fast with our Somali Clerics where he hosted İftar in their honor. The President praised their role in peacebuilding and reconciliation and urged them to pray for our nation and citizens during this period of blessings and prayers," Villa Somalia said.

GAROWE ONLINE