The Somali government website confirmed this week that President Mohamed Abduhalli Farmaajo had suspended the powers of Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble. The suspension of powers comes amidst allegations of corruption and misuse of funds.
In an update dated December 27, the website announced that Farmaajo had suspended Roble's powers as Prime Minister in light of corruption allegations and claims of misuse of public funds. The site noted that an investigation is being launched to look into the allegations. The other members of the Council of Ministers will continue their duties as usual.
"All government officials are urged to refrain from misappropriating public funds and to abide by the laws and regulations of the country," the update further said.
Roble allegedly received a tip regarding public land owned by the Somali National Army that was misappropriated. Roble then allegedly pressured the Defense minister to "divert the investigation into allegations of encroachment." The announcement of Roble's suspension of powers comes hours after a report that both Farmaajo and Roble clashed over delays in the ongoing Somali elections.
The elections were for 275 Representatives to the country's Parliament that began on November 1. The elections were expected to be done on December 24. One new member claimed that by December 25, only 24 out of 275 have been elected to the chamber so far.
"The Prime Minister is posing a serious threat to the electoral process and overstepping his mandate," said Farmaajo in a statement Sunday. Roble pushed back, saying that Farmaajo was "frustrating" the country's electoral process and the national elections.
The recent conflict has also led the US Embassy in Somalia to comment, according to Reuters. The embassy called for a de-escalation of the latest conflict between the Somali leaders.
"We strongly urge Somalia's leaders to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions in Mogadishu, refrain from provocative actions, and avoid violence," the embassy tweeted.
The US State Department has also commented on the situation, expressing concern over the ongoing elections. "The United States is deeply concerned by the continuing delays and the procedural irregularities that have undermined the credibility of the process," the agency said.