OP-ED: Speaker Aden Madobe Must Allow Parliament to Discuss the No-Confidence Motion Against Him or Resign

The Federal Parliament of Somalia is caught in another avoidable crisis, with Speaker Aden Mohamed Nur (Madobe) at the centre of intense controversy. Last night, Madobe suspended 20 opposition MPs from attending parliamentary sessions, a move widely seen as an attempt to block a no-confidence motion against him.  

This follows weeks of deliberate delays in preventing the passage of a motion that over 100 MPs have brought against Speaker Madobe, accusing him of refusing to table it or bring it to parliament for a vote. The incident encapsulates a troubling legacy of Speaker Madobe's leadership, marked by allegations of undermining democratic processes and evading accountability.  

The Roots of Revolt  

The rebellion among MPs gained momentum after Speaker Madobe expelled MP Abdullahi H. Abiib from parliament for criticising the government. This decision, which many viewed as unconstitutional, united MPs in opposition to the speaker, Madobe. While not all MPs agreed with Abiib’s criticism, they collectively opposed the Speaker’s unilateral actions, which violated the Somali constitution and parliamentary bylaws.  

The Somali constitution explicitly states that only the entire parliament, following due legal process, can expel an MP. The speaker’s attempts to reverse his move through press statements and public declarations failed to alleviate concerns as MPs demanded accountability.  

Chaotic Parliamentary Session  

Yesterday’s session descended into chaos, marked by shouting matches and physical altercations between rival MPs. Speaker Madobe inflamed tensions further by insulting and using offensive words towards opposition MPs live on television. Among those targeted was veteran MP Mohamed Ali Omar ‘Aananuug,’ whom speaker Madobe referred to as a "cripple." Ananug lost his leg in a terrorist attack in 2011 while serving in Somalia’s 8th Parliament, a fact that makes Speaker Madobe’s insult not only deeply personal but also profoundly discriminatory language.

The speaker’s remarks have sparked widespread outrage among MPs and the public, tarnishing the dignity of Somalia’s legislature and embarrassing the nation as top government officials act irresponsibly. 

Historical Patterns of Controversy  

The current crisis bears striking similarities to events during the 8th Parliament when Sharif Hassan served as Speaker. At the time, Sharif Hassan refused to convene parliamentary sessions and worked closely with the executive branch, preventing scrutiny and accountability. Eventually, after a period of turbulence, MPs dismissed Sharif Hassan in a move that then-President Sheikh Sharif, a close ally of Speaker Sharif Hassan, opposed. 

Following Sharif Hassan’s removal, MPs elected Madobe Nunow as Speaker, but the parliament became deeply divided, with rival factions supporting opposing blocs. The deadlock ultimately resulted in the indefinite closure of the parliament, which remained paralysed until the 2012 elections 

These past incidents resemble the current situation under Speaker Madobe’s leadership. If unresolved, the ongoing crisis could lead to a similar indefinite shutdown of the parliament. To prevent such an outcome, Speaker Madobe must either accept the no-confidence motion against him so that MPs can debate it or resign to allow the parliament to function. 

This is not the first time Speaker Madobe has faced allegations of misconduct. During his first tenure as Speaker (2007–2010), he blocked parliamentary sessions and sided with the executive branch, enabling them to evade scrutiny and accountability. I, Hon Hassan Haji, witnessed these events firsthand during my time as an MP from 2009–2012. Ultimately, Speaker Madobe’s actions led to his forcible removal, as MPs refused to tolerate his disregard for parliamentary autonomy.  

Speaker Madobe’s leadership continues to follow this troubling pattern. Critics argue that he has consistently allowed the executive branch to control parliament, undermining the separation of powers and enabling the passage of controversial legislation without proper oversight. His role in shielding Southwest State President Abdiaziz Laftagareen further exemplifies these failures, as Laftagareen remains in power despite calls for timely elections and accountability.  

Constitutional Obligations Ignored  

The Somali constitution is clear: when more than a third of MPs submit a no-confidence motion, the Speaker is legally obligated to step aside temporarily. The Deputy Speaker must oversee the parliamentary session to ensure that the motion is debated and voted on, free from interference.  

Speaker Madobe’s refusal to adhere to these constitutional provisions defies the law, exacerbates tensions within parliament, and undermines public trust in Somalia’s democratic institutions.  

A Call for Accountability   

To navigate this crisis, the Federal Parliament must prioritise transparency, accountability, and adherence to constitutional norms. Speaker Aden Madobe must step aside and allow the no-confidence motion to proceed, a critical step toward restoring public confidence in Somalia’s governance. 

No Speaker has the right to block MPs from exercising their constitutional duties or to insulate themselves from accountability. It is time for Speaker Madobe to face the MPs who have brought forward these grievances and demonstrate respect for the democratic process and the rule of law.  

For Somalia’s parliament to function effectively, it must rise above political interference and reaffirm its commitment to constitutional principles. The nation is watching, and it is imperative that its leaders uphold the values that define Somalia’s aspirations for democracy.  

By: Hon Hassan Haji Ibrahim, Former member of the Somali parliament.

EXCLAIMER: The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Garowe Online's editorial stance.