Thursday 1,May 2025 {HMC} Prominent Somali opposition figures, including former President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire, and MP Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, have condemned the violent altercation that erupted during Wednesday’s session of the House of the People.
In a joint statement, the politicians accused members of the government and security forces of attacking MPs and journalists inside parliament. They said the actions violated parliamentary immunity and press freedom, and undermined the dignity of state institutions.
“These acts of intimidation and violence directly violate the immunity of lawmakers, the freedom of the press, and the reputation and dignity of the state,” the statement read.
The group criticized Speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Aden Madoobe), alleging repeated political harassment, procedural violations, and the humiliation of the legislative process. They claimed that the Speaker’s conduct had sparked multiple warnings and now reflected a pattern of behavior.
“The insulting remarks made by the Speaker reveal the alarming gap between the responsibilities of his office and his personal conduct,” the statement added. “It’s worth remembering that Speaker Aden Madoobe was previously removed from office in 2011 over similar behavior.”
Former Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble also weighed in, calling the incident “deeply regrettable” and saying it erodes public confidence in national institutions.
“I condemn the assault on MPs, which violates their constitutional immunity,” said Roble. “It is also shocking that the Speaker used discriminatory language that is inconsistent with our religion and moral values.”
The clash began after two rival blocs of lawmakers engaged in a heated confrontation over the March removal of MP Abdullahi Hashi Abiib. Speaker Aden Madoobe announced Abiib’s expulsion for missing two consecutive sessions without an official excuse. However, opposition lawmakers argue that the move was politically motivated and illegal.
Parliamentary police intervened to restore order after the situation escalated, leaving journalists and civil society leaders alarmed over the rising political tension.
