Thursday 1,May 2025 {HMC} Somali Lower House Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur Madoobe departed for Algeria on Thursday to attend the upcoming Arab Parliament Speakers Summit, scheduled to take place in the coming days.
The speaker’s trip comes amid heightened political tension in Somalia, following a chaotic lower house session on Wednesday that was marred by clashes between rival lawmakers.
The unrest stemmed from the controversial expulsion of MP Abdullahi Hashi Abiib, who Speaker Aden Madoobe removed in March for missing two consecutive sessions without a formal excuse—an action widely criticized by opposition lawmakers as politically motivated.
Hours before his departure, Speaker Madoobe issued a directive suspending 20 lawmakers from attending future parliamentary sessions, citing security concerns. The suspended MPs include vocal critics of the speaker and cabinet members who have accused him of violating parliamentary procedure and abusing his authority.
“The speaker has become both the accuser and the judge,” said one of the suspended MPs, who spoke to HOL on condition of anonymity.
The Arab Parliament Speakers Summit will bring together heads of legislative bodies from across the Arab world to discuss regional cooperation, legislative harmonization, and shared political challenges.
The Somali Parliament remains in recess following Wednesday’s disruption, with no clear indication when regular sessions will resume.
