By The Star Staff Writer
MOGADISHU –Somalia’s President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo has praised parliamentary speaker’s decision to quit after a feud between the Executive and the Legislature plunged the country’s fragile government into political crisis it barely can afford.
“The decision he’s made is historic,” President Mohamed said of Speaker Mohamed Osman Jawari’s decision to officially resign on Wednesday. “He didn’t condition anything.”
It’s the first time President Mohamed publicly commented on the weeks-long row between Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre and Jawari.
The pair tried to oust one another via a vote of no-confidence that never was.
Mohamed called Jawari — who stood at his left side and just make public his decision to quit — a “Somali elder” and “a law expert.”
He urged the exiting speaker to continue his positive contributions toward the Somali nation.
The executive and the legislature have been scraping since lawmakers passed a bill – later signed by the president –stipulating that all agreements Somalia signs with other countries should be brought to the house for approval.
The Executive saw this legislative process as an encroachment on its power to cut deals with other nations.
President Mohamed urged Jawari to continue offering counsel to the Somali government.
“It is incumbent upon us to realize the aspirations of the Somali people, which are good governance, providing services to all and standing up for the determining issues,” he said.
The president also urged the legislature to play its watchdog role over the government.
“I order the government to double its efforts. For, it has to deal with critical issues, including fixing the security and developing the country’s economy, “ he said. “I urge the legislature to speed up bills put forward by the government that are crucial for the country.”
He called on the Somali people to cooperate with their government.
“A government that is not supported by the public can’t function,” he said. “I urge you, the public in general, to play your role.”