No End in Sight for Somali Political Bickering

NAIROBI, KENYA

Somalia's political leaders are at loggerheads once again over the reorganization of the cabinet, prompting a warning from the United Nations to focus on building credible institutions to move the country forward. Analysts say the next year will be crucial for solidifying Somalias recent gains after decades of lawlessness.

The controversy began Monday, when U.N. envoy to Somalia, Nicholas Kay, said he was concerned about allegations that lawmakers were being bribed in exchange for votes to oust the prime minister.

In a statement, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud acknowledged the U.N.'s concern, but called for the international community to respect Somalia's right to determine its own future, and allow Somali leaders to resolve their differences.

Political fault lines

The political bickering between the president and Prime Minister Abdiweli Sheikh Ahmed began two weeks ago after the premier made a cabinet reshuffle. Among those affected was the presidents close ally and Minister of Livestock and Husbandry Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir.

The president termed the changes null and void, setting off an increasingly public dispute between the two leaders and their supporters in the parliament.

This is the kind of division that has plagued Somali politics for years. But Somali lawmaker and former constitution minister Abdirahman Hosh said it is good for Somali leaders to negotiate, calling it part of the democratic process. He added that ultimately, the politicians must settle their disputes.

"Top leaders' political wrangling is good thing for us. Leaders who agree on everything is not good for the country. The politics itself is about people with different views coming together, but when there is a division, then a solution has to be found to solve the differences," said Hosh.

Contentious stability

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No End in Sight for Somali Political Bickering