Saturday December 3, 2022
Mogadishu (HOL) - The Somali government was accused of ordering security guards at the parliament building to frisk the lawmakers entering the parliament house after al-Shabab militants attacked a hotel near the residence of the President in Mogadishu.
Saturday's session devolved into disruption and confusion after some lawmakers claimed they were denied entry to the parliament building. The session was later reopened.
Dahir Amin Jesow, a Member of Parliament, accused the Speaker of Parliament, Adan Madobe, of accepting a letter from the cabinet authorizing security agencies to frisk MPs and their vehicles.
"We expected the speaker to defend us from the wrongs of the cabinet since we elected you to defend the honour of the MPs," said MP Jeesow.
Lawmaker Jesow added that it is not acceptable for the decision by the cabinet.
Two days ago, six al Shabab militants attacked Villa Rays hotel near the Presidential palace in the capital, frequented by senior Somali government officials, including ministers, lawmakers and other security officials.
A police spokesman said security forces killed five of the six attackers while one blew himself up. He said the militants killed eight civilians at the hotel, and security forces rescued 60 civilians. There were no civilian injuries.