Tuesday July 28, 2020
Mogadishu (HOL) - During their first meeting since ousting the prime minister, the Somali cabinet has condemned the international community's response to the vote of no confidence that has led to the dismissal former PM Hassan Ali Khaire.
The acting prime minister, Mahdi Mohammed Gulaid, insisted that the international community must respect Somalia's sovereignty.
"The Cabinet meeting also highlighted the SFG's gratitude to the international community but stressed the need for our partners to respect the sovereignty of our nation and our constitution as well as the UN Diplomatic Convention. FGS is committed to # Somalia's progress."
The Minister of Information, Mohamed Abdi Hayir "Maareye" said that the international community should behave more diplomatically.
"We welcome the support of the international community, but they must protect the country's sovereignty and the decisions of the constitutional institutions," he said.
On Monday, the EU said that the removal of Hassan Ali Khaire was a violation of the constitution and eroded their confidence in Somalia.
The EU vice president Joseph Borrel said that the vote did not adhere to parliamentary rules.
"Regrettably, the developments in the House of the People of Somalia on Saturday represent a setback for Somalia and the confidence of the European Union in the progress of Somalia," Borrel said in a statement."
"The procedures under which a motion of no confidence in the cabinet was passed did not meet minimal constitutional requirements."
The European Union said that it will scrutinize the events and who bears responsibility.
The U.S. on Saturday said that they are concerned that the PM's ouster will further complicate the current delicate political balance in the country.
"The U.S. Embassy regrets the actions of the President and Lower House of Parliament to withdraw confidence in Prime Minister Ali Hassan Khayre and his government, which heightened political tensions and undermined the ongoing process of dialogue and negotiation between the Federal Government of Somalia, Federal Member States, and other key stakeholders."
The Americans reiterated their support for a politically negotiated solution with stakeholders at all levels to end the electoral crisis in the country, effectively endorsing Dhusamareb negotiations.
"Developing a workable, broadly acceptable election model is key to preserving Somalia's security and stability, and the United States calls on all stakeholders to act cooperatively and seek compromise to mitigate the risk of a constitutional crisis. The United States urges the Federal Government of Somalia, Federal Member States, Parliament, and other parties to continue to work together to implement the agreement reached in Dhusamareb."
It warned it would 'take measures against spoilers' adding the PM's removal was un-procedural and unconstitutional.