Somalia: Lawmakers call on president to step down, citing constitutional breach
MOGADISHU, July 5 – Lawmakers from Somalia’s northeastern Federal State of Puntland region on Sunday called on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to step down, accusing him of violating the constitution and undermining the country’s federal system.
In a statement, members of both houses of Somalia’s federal parliament elected from Puntland said the constitutional terms of office for the president and other state institutions had expired. They urged adherence to constitutional provisions and legal transition procedures.
The lawmakers accused Mohamud of pursuing policies they said had weakened federalism and national unity, alleging that the federal government was interfering in Puntland and exacerbating political and security tensions.
They also condemned what they described as the use of clan-based militias under the name of the Somali National Army, saying it was damaging public trust in national security institutions.
The statement called on Somali citizens, politicians, and civil society to uphold the constitution, peace, and national unity, and to avoid any steps that could lead to political instability.
The lawmakers further urged the international community to closely monitor Somalia’s political situation, particularly the post-term transition period, and to support any solution consistent with the constitution and federal system.
GAROWE ONLINE