Monday September 6, 2021
MOGADISHU (HOL) -
Somali opposition has welcomed the suspension of intelligence director Fahad Yasin and condemned President Mohamed Farmaajo's decision to reinstate the embattled spy chief in office.
The Council of Presidential Candidates (CPC) said that the Prime Minister's decision was in the country's best interest and instrumental in 'restoring confidence in NISA.'
CPC also condemned Farmaajo, noting he intended to 'destabilize' the country and the ongoing electoral process.
Jubaland state and Hawiye clan have also come in defence of the PM's decision. The Ahmed Madobe administration argued the Prime Minister had the authority to make changes to Somalia's intelligence apparatus.
Speaking separately, Hawiye clan elders in Mogadishu threw their support behind the Prime Minister, noting the decision to fire Yasin as a 'bold move.' In a five-point statement, the elders demanded that Ikraan Tahliil Farah and her family receive justice and that all those involved in the case be brought to justice.
Former president and current leader of UPD party Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said that PM Roble was responsible for all security organs and that the firing of Yasin was legal.
"The Prime Minister is responsible for all the executive institutions of the country, including the security forces. Lack of control by security agencies leads to instability and the formation of illegal armed groups, leading to the country's destruction."
He called on the public to support the Prime Minister.
Roble ordered Yasin out of office Sunday night only to be countered by another statement from Villa Somalia stating that the NISA boss will remain in office.
The latest developments come as Somalia's police chief reportedly called an emergency meeting on Monday.
Analysts worry that the dismissal may further divide cracks within Somalia's political elite and trigger the second constitutional crisis to occur within this year.