Somalia: Jubaland president Ahmed Madobe reaffirms support for PM Roble

Madobe along with Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has been supportive of the PM [File Photo]

KISMAYO, Somalia - Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe has reaffirmed his support to Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble, who has come under sharp criticism from a section of executive members, led by outgoing President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo.

Farmaajo had recently suspended powers of the PM following a fallout over elections preparations and investigations towards the death of Ikran Tahlil, a junior employee within the National Intelligence and Security Agency [NISA].

So divisive has been the differences that a number of leaders have stood by the PM while seasoned bureaucrats have opted to support Farmaajo, whose term expired on Feb 8. The two sides have been tussling over the control of the executive.

In a statement, Jubaland said Madobe is fully behind PM Roble, arguing that he has the authority to head the government until elections are completed in the country. Further, Madobe insisted that Roble has an obligation to seek justice for Ikran Tahlil's family.

"The president of Jubbaland Ahmed Madobe has proved that Jubbaland's opinion that Roble is responsible for the security and elections, given that the country is undergoing a transition after the expiry of the president's term," read a statement from Madobe's communication team.

"The President further insists that PM Mohamed Hussein Roble is responsible for seeking justice to the family of Ikran Tahlil. He reiterates that politicians should desist from polarizing the matter until investigations are done," adds the statement.

While Farmaajo is of the opinion that Ikran Tahlil's murder case is subjected to a Commission of Inquiry, PM Mohamed Hussein Roble has said that that the military court is efficient to handle the case. Already, the military has started investigating the murder.

The family of Ikran Tahlil has named former NISA boss Fahad Yasin, who now doubles as Farmaajo's security advisor and three others are key suspects in the murder. The four are said to have been in direct contact with the deceased until her unfortunate disappearance and subsequent murder.

Madobe along with Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni has been supportive of the PM, but three other state leaders have been lukewarm. Madobe and Deni have traditionally opposed Villa Somalia's modus operandi.

GAROWE ONLINE