The selection of new members of the Northeastern Somali parliament is a hotly contested process, with many clans complaining that their seats are being interfered with, and that people close to President Firdhiye have been locked out of their seats.
President Firdhiye, a presidential candidate, has been accused of bringing into parliament individuals he wants to vote for him, which has led to the vetting committee and MPs rejecting the applications of candidates who have the trust of their clans.
Recently, presidential candidates in the Northeastern Somali region have openly challenged the vetting and approval committee of MPs, accusing it of being biased towards a particular candidate.
Warnings have been circulating on social media from various clans, who have threatened to go to war if President Firdhiye does not stop interfering with the MPs selected by the clans.
Days ago, angry gunmen attacked President Firdhiye’s campaign home after his MP seat was blocked by Fahiimo Yusuf Quuje, one of his supporters. One of Firdhiye’s bodyguards was injured in the attack.
The tension has prompted the MPs’ Verification and Approval Committee to delay the release of the list of elected MPs, fearing that the ongoing political violence could affect the process of forming a new administration.
