Few MPs, more security forces as motion against Jawari staggers

The motion against Speaker Mohamed Jawari appears dead for today as only a handful of MPs make way into the House with security forces heavily deployed inside and outside the House.

Pictures from inside the Lower House building show largely empty seats with few MPs but major security presence. Some MPs caught on video could be heard pointing fingers at President Mohamed Farmaajo claiming he is using the security forces to obstruct MPs from entering the House.

Speaker Mohamed Jawari and his deputies Ibrahim Mudey and Mahad Awad arrived earlier escorted by Somali and Amisom soldiers.

By mid-day MPs are still queuing to get into the House even as indications are clear House business has stalled. Sources who did not want to be named for this story tell Goobjoog News the House cannot conduct business given the prevailing situation. “It is clear there is no business today. The motion is already overtaken by events.”

Yesterday, Jawari directed blame at President Farmaajo noting he had severally asked him to step down. But the embattled speaker said he stood his ground arguing he can only be removed from office through a parliamentary process.

Meanwhile Mogadishu city remains on lockdown as security forces cordon off major roads. Lower House building and its surrounding is utterly deserted with only security forces and journalist being seen.