Hiiraan Online
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
MOGADISHU (HOL) ----As significant numbers of Somali lawmakers have tabled an impeachment motion against the president over corruption allegations, the international community has warned the development would impede progress on Somalia’s peace and state building goals.
In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, envoys from the United Nations, the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the European Union (EU), the United States of America and the United Kingdom said they remain concerned about progress on the legislative agenda and the need to pass key legislation including laws on elections, citizenship, political parties’ and the constitutional court. Emerging institutions are still fragile.
“While we fully respect the right of the Federal Parliament to hold institutions to account and to fulfil its constitutional duties, the submission of any such motion requires a high standard of transparency and integrity in the process and will consume extremely valuable time, not least in the absence of essential legal bodies.” The statement said.
The envoys said Somalia and all member states are bound by United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2232, which sets out the expectations of the international community on the security and political progress needed in Somalia, and the need for an electoral process in 2016 without extension of either the legislative or executive branch.
“Emerging institutions are still fragile. They require a period of stability and continuity to allow Somalia to benefit from the New Deal Somali Compact and to prepare for a peaceful and legitimate transfer of public office in 2016.”
In addition, the international community has expressed doubt about the legality of the new motion which MPs say would help them to oust the president whom they accused of corruption and embezzlement.
“We believe the Somali people should be given the opportunity to hold their elected representatives and government to account in 2016 through an inclusive and transparent electoral process.” The statement further stated.
More than 93 legislators have lodged the motion with the parliamentary speaker who past the supreme court endorsement would have present the motion to the parliament for vote.
Responding to the allegations, the president has credited his government with security gains, by ousting militants from key towns and the expansion of the federalism system in many parts of Somalia.
“Somalia has moved forward, and that progress cannot be halted just because obstacles or deceptions by elements who are not working for the interest of the public and the greater Somalia nation.” president Mohamud said.
Somalia’s donors often express worries over constant infighting between presidents, prime ministers and parliament, saying the spat could inflame tensions and undermine the country’s recovery from more than two decades of conflict.