You’re no longer president, opposition tells Farmaajo

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Two former presidents and 12 other presidential candidates have proposed the formation of a National Transitional Council to lead the country following the end of President Mohamed Farmaajo’s term today.

Noting that it no longer recognizes Farmaajo as president, the Council of Presidential Candidates said there was a need for a new body to oversee the preparation of elections in line with the September 17 agreement.

The 14 opposition presidential candidates said the Transitional Council will draw membership from the speakers of both houses of parliament, FMS leaders, civil society and representatives from the CPC.

Security forces, the CPC added should cease taking orders from Farmaajo. It added in a statement the outgoing leader risks losing his perks as former president should he by-pass the law and continue his stay in office.

The remarks come amid tension especially in the capital Mogadishu as the president’s stay in office lapses with no deal on sight. Farmaajo told the Lower House Saturday he had tried his best with no success. He urged parliament to move in and convince Puntland and Jubbaland to climb down on their demands.

A new president was supposed to be elected today but so far not even lawmakers who are supposed to elect a new president have been themselves elected.