Somalia: US regrets Farmajo's actions over PM Khaire's ouster

MOGADISHU | The US has blasted President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo and the Lower House over the impeachment of Somalia Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, arguing that the move "heightened" political temperatures, besides "undermining" ongoing dialogue between the federal government and member states.

In a tough statement issued on Saturday, Washington faulted the decision by the two entities to withdraw confidence in Khaire, whose tenure crumbled after 170 MPs voted in favor of a motion seeking for his removal. The motion sailed through after meeting the minimum requirements of two-thirds of MPs' approval.

But the US termed the process as "irregular", arguing that Somalia's stability can only be achieved through political compromise and proper coordination from among all stakeholders. Politics of dominance, the US added, would undermine the stability of the entire nation.

"This irregular process is a setback for the reform agenda Somalia has pursued with the support of the United States.  Somalia’s stability, security, and prosperity can only be built through cooperation, coordination, and compromise among Somalia’s leaders; if any individual or institution seeks to dominate the others, it undermines the stability of the entire nation," read the statement in part.

Khaire has since been replaced by Mahdi Mohamed Gulaid, who until his appointment, served as Deputy Prime Minister of the federal government. However, Villa Somalia said, Gulaid will serve in an acting capacity until President Farmajo makes a substantive appointment in a month's time.

In a statement issued by Lower House Speaker Mohamed Mursal Abdirahman, MPs accused Khaire of among other things, failing to give a road map for a one-person-one-vote election besides failing to lead the country to a constitutional referendum where critical laws were to be enacted.

But the US emphasized a "timely, peaceful, implementable federal elections", adding that it is through broad-based consultation and constructive dialogue among stakeholders. Khaire was a crusader of timely elections which Farmajo is said to be opposing.

"Developing a workable, broadly acceptable election model is key to preserving Somalia’s security and stability, and the United States calls on all stakeholders to act cooperatively and seek compromise to mitigate the risk of a constitutional crisis," added the statement.

His sacking comes barely three days after the country's leadership ended the first phase of negotiations with regional leaders in Dhusamareb which both Farmajo and Khaire attended. The team agreed to come up with an agreeable electoral model that would prevent term extension for the current administration.

And the US now asks all stakeholders to continue working together for the sake of the implementation of the agreement which was reached in Dhusamareb. The country's leadership will reconvene in Galmadug for the second phase of talks whose aim is to solve a brewing electoral crisis.

Washington further warned those derailing efforts to rebuild Somalia, adding that individual interests should not supersede national goals. Those sabotaging unity, the US added, will face stern actions for the sake of stabilizing the Horn of Africa nation.

"We will take measures against spoilers who seek to undermine Somalia’s progress towards stability, peace, inclusive governance, and prosperity.  We do not want Somalia to go in the wrong direction," the US said. "The United States remains a strong and devoted partner to the Somali people and those leaders who continue to but the best interests of Somali people first."

In a statement after Khaire's ouster, Farmajo seemed to blame the estranged former PM's predicaments on executive-legislature wrangles, arguing that they were undermining progress in the federal government of Somalia. It was anticipated that he would prevail upon MPs to spare Khaire.

"The rift between the government and the legislature is undermining the progress that has been made, and to that end, I've decided to consider the decision by House of Representatives as the foundation of our nationhood," he said despite the fact that no differences between parliament and executive had been reported.

But a confident Khaire emerged later on Saturday evening, arguing that "I decided to step down as prime minister of Somalia for the sake of the country" despite the fact that he fell on the floor of the House. The impeachment motion against him, he added, was "illegal and unconstitutional".

The former PM said he took compromises "for the interest of people to avoid a possible conflict". Further, he said, "I was not in office to rule but serve for the people", in a press conference which was partly streamed by his team before accepting his fate on Saturday.

GAROWE ONLINE