You’re no longer President, defiant PM Roble tells Farmaajo as tensions escalate in Mogadishu

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Prime Minister Mohamed Roble has described outgoing president Mohamed Farmaajo as ‘immediate’ former president in the ongoing escalation of tensions between the two leaders which saw forces allied to Farmaajo block the PM’s office Monday morning.

“The outrageous statement from immediate former President, Mohamed Abdullahi (Farmajo) regarding the work of the PM and his failed attempt to militarily take over the OPM is a violation of the constitution & other laws, the consequences of which will be solely shouldered by Farmajo,” Office of the PM said in a tweet.

The OPM added that the PM was ‘fully committed to fulfilling his national responsibility to conduct an acceptable electoral process that culminates in a peaceful transition of power.’

Roble fires back, accuses Farmaajo of sticking to power, undermining elections

The remarks follow a series of developments Sunday night which began with a ‘decree’ by Farmaajo ‘suspending’ the powers of the Prime Minister. At about 9 am local time, sources indicated that the PM’s office had been blocked by forces allied to Farmaajo.

In the last half hour, Goobjoog News has learnt that the PM was escorted on foot by AMISOM soldiers to his office.

Meanwhile, tension is high in Mogadishu as more security forces have been deployed. A spot check by Goobjoog News indicates that several soldiers were deployed in entry points to the city and within strategic roads.

More to follow.