MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Dozens of new MPs have rallied behind a motion of no-confidence against the deputy speaker of Somalia’s parliament Sa’adiya Samatar whose recent remarks on a controversial law sparked public outrage, Universal TV reported on Wednesday.
A scheduled parliament session was again delayed on Wednesday for the second time in a week because of stiffening opposition against the chairing of the deputy speaker. MPs earlier accused her of insulting Islam and of supporting Western-backed sexual offenses bill contradicting Islam.
MPs from Puntland, Jubaland and Southwest state signed and submitted the motion to the speaker of parliament despite Villa Somalia’s attempts to halt it, saying it might distract the government from the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in a recent meeting with the speaker of parliament Sheikh Adan Madobe, voiced concerns that the motion could further instill infighting and power wrangling.
The President has also increasing worries that the lawmakers could vote out his government if MPs win to oust Sa’adiya, which comes from his party. Mohamud and his team will not be able to find an ideal candidate for the position if their ally is dismissed.
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