Opposition MPs vow to attend sessions despite suspension

They stated that Mursal, who is a staunch supporter of Villa Somalia is plotting an extension for Farmajo by using plain-clothed intelligence agents deployed at the parliament to silence the dissent voices.

News Keydmedia Online
28 March 2021

MOGADISHU, Somalia – The opposition MPs in parliament held a press conference in Mogadishu on Sunday to declare their stance on Mursal’s decision suspending them from the coming house sessions.

The 15 lawmakers termed the move as illegal, accusing house speaker Mohamed Mursal of overstepping parliament regulations and clearly violating the country’s constitution as he is responsible for the chaos.

They stated that Mursal, who is a staunch supporter of Villa Somalia is plotting an extension for Farmajo by using plain-clothed intelligence agents deployed at the parliament to silence the dissent voices.

The standoff came after Saturday’s Lower House meeting ended in disorder and scuffle that broke out between pro and anti-extension legislators shouted loudly “Farmajo must go and leave the office”.

"We are going to the conference tomorrow. We know our names were handed over to the soldiers readied to kill us. Mursal will be held accountable for any problem," said lawmaker Mahad Salad.

Lawmakers said there was no law authorizing the speaker to make suspension decisions, but can only close sessions in case of noise or chaos in the parliament hall.

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