Wednesday 30, April 2025 {HMC} Somali Lower House Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur Madoobe has referred the disputed case of parliamentary seat HOP#201—currently held by MP Abdullahi Hashi Abiib—back to the Standing Committee on Bylaws, Welfare, Ethics and Immunity for review and guidance.
The move comes amid mounting pressure from opposition lawmakers who recently submitted a motion to impeach the speaker over his handling of the case.
In a press release on Tuesday, Speaker Madoobe said he made the decision after considering the concerns and recommendations raised by members of the House of the People. He cited Article 50, Section 2, Subsection (D) of the chamber’s bylaws, which grants the Standing Committee the authority to review matters related to parliamentary procedure and member conduct.
“The matter regarding the seat HOP#201 has been returned to the appropriate Standing Committee for legal consultation and advice,” the statement read. “Their recommendations will guide the next steps.”
The controversy began on March 15, when Speaker Madoobe announced that MP Abdullahi Abiib had been stripped of his seat for missing two consecutive sessions without presenting a valid excuse. That decision sparked criticism from a number of lawmakers, who argued that the speaker had overstepped his authority.
MP Abiib, a prominent critic of the current administration, has frequently accused senior government officials of corruption. He has also submitted documentation to international organizations alleging governance failures and irregularities in public finance. In 2023, Abiib claimed to have received threats from government officials and said he could not safely return to Mogadishu.
Critics of the speaker say the attempt to expel Abiib is politically motivated and violates parliamentary immunity protections. Several MPs have warned that allowing such precedent would endanger dissent within the legislature.
The Standing Committee is now expected to issue a formal recommendation regarding the legality of the speaker’s original decision. It remains unclear whether the House will hold a vote on the matter once the committee presents its findings.
