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Speaker Madoobe cites attendance violations as reason for dismissal, while critics call the move politically motivated
Somali lawmaker Dr. Abdullahi Hashi Abiib has officially lost his seat in the House of the People after failing to attend two consecutive parliamentary sessions without a valid justification. The announcement was made on Saturday by the Speaker of the Lower House, Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur Madoobe.
According to a statement issued by the Speaker’s office, Abiib’s repeated absences directly violated parliamentary attendance regulations. Citing Article 59, paragraph (d), and Article 8, paragraph (4) of the House of Representatives Bylaws, the Speaker declared that Abiib was no longer a member of the Somali parliament.
As a result of his dismissal, Madoobe ordered an immediate process to fill the vacant seat, identified as HOP#201, which represents Somaliland’s northern regions. The Speaker emphasized the importance of maintaining parliamentary discipline and ensuring that all members fulfill their responsibilities to the legislature.
Abiib, known for his outspoken stance against the government, has been an active critic of corruption within Somali leadership. He has previously submitted reports to international organizations detailing alleged corrupt practices among senior government officials. Additionally, he has authored numerous articles on governance issues, with a particular focus on corruption investigations within the administration.
Over the past year, Abiib claimed that he had received threats from Somali government officials due to his activism and public statements. He alleged that these threats had made it unsafe for him to return to Mogadishu, further complicating his role as a parliamentarian.
Despite his removal, Abiib has yet to issue any public statements addressing his dismissal from parliament.
The timing of his removal has raised concerns among opposition lawmakers. Just two days before Abiib’s expulsion, Deputy Information Minister Abdirahman Sheikh Yusuf Al- made controversial remarks, accusing certain members of parliament who have been pushing for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s resignation of acting as unofficial spokespersons for the militant group Al-Shabaab. These comments sparked immediate outrage, with opposition legislators condemning them as an attack on the integrity and independence of the Somali parliament.
The removal of Abiib is likely to fuel further tensions between the government and opposition figures, many of whom have expressed growing concerns over the suppression of dissenting voices. Critics argue that his dismissal is politically motivated and aimed at silencing lawmakers who challenge the administration’s policies.
Meanwhile, the process of selecting a replacement for the HOP#201 seat is expected to proceed swiftly. The decision will likely attract scrutiny, especially from opposition factions who view Abiib’s expulsion as an effort to consolidate political control.
With the government facing increasing criticism over governance and corruption allegations, this latest development adds to the political uncertainty in Somalia. Opposition leaders continue to call for greater transparency and accountability within the government while pushing back against what they perceive as efforts to suppress political dissent.
The coming days will reveal how Abiib responds to his removal and whether opposition lawmakers take further action in response to what they see as an attack on parliamentary independence. The unfolding situation will be closely monitored as the Somali government navigates its complex political landscape.