The session was marked by loud whistleblowing, shouting, and physical altercations that drew police intervention.
In a dramatic and tumultuous session, the Federal Parliament of Somalia approved the 18-member Electoral and National Boundaries Commission amid unprecedented disruption and physical confrontation.
The parliamentary proceedings, held on today, descended into chaos as MPs from Jubaland and Puntland vehemently protested the approval process. The session was marked by loud whistleblowing, shouting, and physical altercations that drew police intervention.
The speaker of the House, Aden Madoobe, pushed through a snap vote, claiming 169 MPs approved the committee. However, the legitimacy of the vote is already being called into question due to the disorderly manner in which it was conducted.
Witnesses reported that the appointed committee was not given an opportunity to present their credentials or expertise. The standard procedure of calling out committee members’ names was bypassed, and the swearing-in process was shrouded in confusion.
The situation escalated when police forces physically wrestled with approximately 15 MPs who opposed Madoobe’s aggressive approach. Eyewitnesses claim they heard the Speaker shouting “beat them, beat them” while wielding a stick, directing actions against those who resisted the committee’s approval.
The controversial approval raises significant concerns about the committee’s legitimacy, particularly with regional governments already expressing reservations about the federal government’s handling of the process.
This unprecedented scene highlights the deep political tensions within Somalia’s parliamentary system and suggests potential challenges for the newly approved Electoral and National Boundaries Commission.
The incident underscores the fragile nature of Somalia’s democratic institutions and the ongoing political struggles that continue to challenge the country’s governance.
