Mogadishu (UM) – The Motion of No Confidence against the Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawaari was the main news on Saturday but the Parliamentary vote was called off by President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo. Since then, there are many rumors but no facts about what will happen next.
According to the Parliamentary timetable, the Motion is already late and given that there is no judicial intervention, the political stalemate may continue for much longer.
“You never know what is happening from day to day because there is too much confusion,” said Elmi Abdi, a local doctor. “The only thing is you never know which way it will go.”
The political stalemate is the reason for the confusion according to all interviewed by UM in Mogadishu in the last few days. Almost all felt that the lack of information and direction in the political process, will create more public services disruptions and security problems.
“Nothing is working well. Buses are diverted, bajaaj can’t cross main roads and walking is becoming hard too,” said Nura Mohamed. “This political issue is bad for Somalia.”
Senior sources in the Government have confirmed to UM that there is no clear agreement on both sides on the way forward towards political stability. Some influential MPs are still intending to vote against the Speaker in Parliament while others are either seeking a deal or voting in support of the Speaker.
“Today is a very hard day because we need to be clear in what will happen next. There is too much problems and we need to get on with our lives,” said an angry shop owner. “I don’t know what day I will open my shop and which day I will close because of security.”
The current status of the Motion of No Confidence against the Speaker is not clear. However, senior government sources have confirmed that there are ongoing discussions between the government, MPs on both sides of the argument and the Speaker to decide this.
UM will keep readers informed of all developments in this matter.