Puntland demands Farmaajo’s powers trimmed, security chiefs sacked ahead of fresh talks
GOOBJOOG NEWS|GAROWE: Farmaajo should have his executive authority limited and the heads of the military, intelligence and police fired for their involvement in the February 18-19 violence in Mogadishu before another round of electoral talks resume, Puntland has said in its fresh demands for poll talks.
While accusing Farmaajo of walking out of the 45th round of talks in Dhusamareb last month without a deal, Puntlandsaid it was still committed to new talks. It added however that the talks must take place under a different framework since the terms of parliament and the president had lapsed.
“To address the constitutional crisis, President Farmajo must sign a decree limiting executive and legislative powers of the presidency and the parliament, as well as nullifying all legislations approved by the parliament after 27 December 2020, as well as any executive orders issued by the president after 8 February 2021,” the eastern state said.
Additionally, Puntland said, the heads of the military, intelligence and police must be replaced for and new ones appointed ‘through a consultative approach.’
The new demands which include a probe on last week’s live firing of protestors led by former prime minister Hassan Khaire and Wadajir party leader Abdirahman Abdishakur are likely to open a new front of battles with Farmaajo.
Villa Somalia said Monday it sent out invitations to Puntland and Jubbaland presidents to attend a new round of talks. But the two states have since dismissed the calls each setting out conditions.
The UN Security Council and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres this week called for resumption of talks adding to similar pleas from the continent and the Arab League.