Somalia’s President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, better known as Farmaajo, has signed a controversial law to extend his term by two years despite threats of international sanctions.
The move is the latest in a deepening political crisis that, analysts warn, risks undermining the peace process and stability in the Horn of Africa country.
Here’s what you need to know:
What happened?
The lower house of Somalia’s parliament voted this week to extend Formaajo’s four-year term, which expired in February, for a further two years. Lower house speaker Mohamed Mursal Sheikh Abdurahman said the measure would allow the country to prepare for direct elections.
Somalia’s politicians strike a last-minute deal, but fears of conflict remain high Max Bearak
NAIROBI In a late-night meeting on Thursday, Somalia s prime minister persuaded opposition leaders to postpone their plan for mass anti-government protests and apologized for violence last Friday that targeted candidates running in an election that was meant to take place this month but is now delayed indefinitely.
Somalia is now in a protracted constitutional crisis, with opposition leaders claiming that President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed commonly known by his nickname “Farmajo” has overstayed his mandate. Tensions spiked last Friday, leading to exchanges of gunfire on the streets of the capital, Mogadishu, and heightening fears that the election dispute could spiral into civil conflict.
Posted on February 18th, 2021
Courtesy Adaderana
Attorney at Law Hejaaz Hezbullah and principal of the controversial Madrasa school Mohamed Shakeel have been placed under remand custody until March 03.
The duo was brought before the Fort Magistrate Priyantha Liyanage earlier today (February 18).
Deputy Solicitor General Dileep Peiris told the court that the suspect Hejaaz Hizbullah was involved in extremist teachings at the Al Suharia Madrasa in Karativu, Puttalam. He added that the ‘Save the Pearl’ organization, of which Hizbullah was the chairman, had given full support to the relevant Madarasa school which had taught 56 students.
It was also revealed that 26 of these students have been kept in a separate classroom and given special residential training during the period from 2018 to the 2019 Easter attack.
Hejaaz Hisbullah, Mohommed Shakil remanded dailynews.lk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from dailynews.lk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.