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Somali parliament session fails to meet quorum as pressure mounts on speaker
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    Thursday May 8, 2025

    Mogadishu (HOL) — The Somali Lower House Parliament failed to convene on Wednesday after falling short of the required quorum, as tensions rise over an expected no-confidence motion targeting Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur (Madoobe).

    Only 120 lawmakers were present—19 short of the 139 members required for the session to proceed, according to parliamentary officials.

    Speaker Madoobe criticized the repeated absences, urging MPs to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities and attend scheduled sessions to avoid further delays in parliamentary business.

    "It is unfortunate that the work of the House of the People is often delayed due to the absence of irresponsible members. I once again call on all those absent to fulfill their duties and regularly attend the sessions of the House," Madoobe said in remarks from the podium.

    He added that while some lawmakers consistently attend sessions and "deserve certificates of honor," others neglect their duties despite residing in the capital.

    "All members are equal under the law. We must all take collective responsibility to ensure that this institution functions properly," he added.

    The session collapse comes amid increasing political friction, with lawmakers threatening to table a motion of no confidence against Speaker Madoobe. Many MPs accuse him of failing to effectively lead the House and of mishandling recent internal disputes.

    Last week, tensions erupted into a physical altercation between rival MPs inside the parliamentary chamber. It was the latest in a series of disruptions that have plagued the House this year, including multiple sessions canceled due to a lack of quorum.

    The Speaker's critics say the dysfunction reflects deeper concerns about parliamentary transparency, power imbalances, and deteriorating confidence in the legislative leadership.

     





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