Forces block Mogadishu roads ahead of L. House showdown

Roads leading to parliament in Mogadishu have been sealed off and the Haramad forces deployed ahead of a Lower House session expected to pass a motion handing more stay in office to outgoing president Mohamed Farmaajo whose term lapsed about two months ago.

Some of the 15 opposition MPs who were suspended last week have threatened to attend the session. Mahad Salad (MP) said on a Facebook page he will be attending today’s session.

He warned Speaker Mohamed Mursal that he will be held responsible should anything happen to them.

A note sent to MPs Tuesday indicated that the House will be voting for two new members of the Boundaries Commission and the National Refugee Law.

However, the opposition has warned there are plans to sneak in a motion to extend Farmaajo’s expired stay in office. The international community last week reportedly told Farmaajo to hold back any vote to give room for talks and warned against any attempts to extend his term.

Meanwhile, the National Salvation Forum has voiced its warning against a vote to extend Farmaajo’s time in office.