Somalia’s President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed on Monday announced the suspension of
Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Ruble. The president has suspended the prime minister
following a dispute between the two leaders over holding a long-delayed election in the
troubled African country, a presidential official said.
“The president has said he will suspend Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Ruble and will not
step down if he is found guilty of corruption,” the president’s office said in a statement.
The prime minister has been suspended for allegedly interfering in the investigation of a land
grab and prolonging the election process.
Relations between President Mohammed and Prime Minister Robelle, also known as Pharmajo,
have long been strained over power. Recent developments have raised new fears of political
instability in Somalia. The dispute between the president and the prime minister and the
suspension of the prime minister have raised concerns that immediate elections will not be
held in Somalia.
On Sunday, Robelle accused the president of sabotaging the election process. Although he did
not comment on Monday's announcement of the suspension, Robley said, “Pharmazo has
stated that it does not want to hold a credible and credible election.”
Dozens of people have been killed in clashes between pro-government and opposition fighters
in the streets of Mogadishu since Pharmazo extended his term without a new election in April.
By Muna Chand
