By: Hassan Yarrow
MOGADISHU—The immediate former president of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo has voiced his strong opposition to the outcome of the recently held National Consultative Council meeting in Mogadishu.
In a statement released on Sunday, Farmaajo stated that the absence of the Puntland leader from the meeting “indicates a lack of confidence in the Council.”
Farmaajo further noted that “the current President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, of making decisions that are against the federalization and democratization of the country.”
In what appears to be his first criticism of his successor’s administration, Farmaajo described the leadership’s actions as “selfish plans” that are “exacerbating the political crisis and undermining the governance and legitimacy of the Federal Institutions.”
He also criticized the election process fronted by the National Consultative Council meeting, noted that the process is “being diverted from the proper procedure that should involve transparent elections.”
“It is unfortunate that the leadership of the country continues with their own selfish plans, which are exacerbating the political crisis and undermining the governance and legitimacy of the Federal Institutions,” said Farmaajo.
The Former President strongly condemned the suspension of the constitution, stating that it has “caused the loss of legitimacy and cooperation among government agencies.”
“It is unfortunate that the country’s leadership continues to carry out perverse plans that reflect their own interests,” he added.
During the four-day meeting in Mogadishu, the Federal and Federal Member State leaders endorsed amendments to the first four chapters of the constitution and urged parliament to expedite the approval of the remaining chapters, considering past agreements reached by the National Consultative Council.
However, the Puntland leader, Said Deni, did not participate in the meeting and remains opposed to the constitutional changes. He has stated that the meeting lacked consensus and did not serve the interests of the Somali nation.
As the political tensions continues, the rift between the former and current leadership underscores the pressing need for a unified and transparent approach to resolving the country’s ongoing challenges.
