Somalia: UN mediating between President, PM after reshuffle row [Developing Story]

MOGADISHU, Somalia Oct 27, 2014 (Garowe Online) –Amidst bitter feud over cabinet reshuffle, United Nations envoy to Somalia Ambassador Nicholas Kay is exploring all avenues to settle the standing political dispute between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed, Garowe Online reports.

As part of concerted efforts, on Sunday Kay met with Mohamud and Mohamed at the heavily fortified compound of Villa Somalia but the two men stuck to their positions, credible insiders tell Garowe Online.

Parliament Speaker Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari is also said to have held talks with UN envoy about the political dispute which emerged after the Prime Minister replaced presidential aide on Saturday.

Somalia’s northeastern state of Puntland has expressed dismay over the new infighting, calling on international community members to intervene in the issue during a press conference by Information Minister Abdiweli Hirsi Abdulle (Indhoguran) in the capital, Garowe.

“The political dispute between Somalia leaders should be resolved through constitutional means,” said Indhoguran, adding that Puntland is ready to mediate between the President and the Prime Minister.

On Sunday afternoon, Parliament Speaker Jawari called for calm by asking the public and international partners not to further stoke the infighting.

UN-backed government has been facing tough conundrum in the fight against Al Qaeda-linked Al Shabaab militants, with UN investigators voicing concern over structure of national army, and large theft of public funds.

Somalia President, Mohamud locked horns with his first Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon who was voted out of office in the Provisional Federal Constitution (PFC) in late 2013.

Abdishakur Mire Adan-a proficient writer with special focus on national politics-tells Garowe Online that the root cause of such disputes lies in the constitution which he said doesn’t clearly describe the powers of the President and the Prime Minister.

Somalia has had nine Prime Ministers under the incumbency of three interim presidents.

GAROWE ONLINE