EXCLUSIVE: How Garbaharey MPs obtained the parliamentary ID cards?

El Wak lawmakers demanded the removal of the Garbaharey MPs to be removed from the session, saying they were not elected legally and described their presence as a threat to their security.

News Keydmedia Online
1 May 2022

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The new Somali lawmakers are facing a security threat and they are vulnerable to Al-Shabaab attacks due to the fragile security at the parliament house in Mogadishu. 

Credible sources told the Keydmedia Somali service that former Speaker Mohamed Mursal has given ID cards to the disputed MPs elected from Garbaharey, who are backed by Farmajo.

The 16 lawmakers from Garbaharey were forcibly escorted to Villa Hargeisa and told the media that they had official identification cards, similar to those held by other lawmakers.

El Wak lawmakers demanded the removal of the Garbaharey MPs to be removed from the session, saying they were not elected legally and described their presence as a threat to their security.

The legislators carry official IDs that they passed through the gates of Villa Hargeisa within the Villa Somalia, the presidential palace, and their names were listed on the security system.

Mursal who is an ally of Farmajo played role in the failed extension of the incumbent last year which caused street clashes in Mogadishu after units of the military opposed the illegal attempt.

The clandestine act of issuing the House IDs by Mursal shows that members of Al-Shabaab could obtain them in this way to carry out terrorist attacks on government buildings in Mogadishu.

Al-Shabaab attacked the parliament in May 2014 and killed dozens of people, including officials. The militant group has used army uniforms and IDs to pass through Mogadishu checkpoints.

The new MPs during their swearing-in on April 14 and their first joint session four days later were attacked with mortars, signaling cooperation between security agencies and the terrorist group.

KEYDMEDIA English