Ethiopian FM to mediate between Somalia's leaders

[Jacaylbaro]

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia Sep 24 (Garowe Online) - Ethiopia's foreign minister, Seyoum Mesfin, is expected to arrive in Somalia soon to partake in meditation efforts to resolve a boiling political dispute between the country's top leaders, independent sources said.

 

Seyoum Mesfin, Ethiopia's foreign minister

 

The row between President Abdullahi Yusuf and Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi erupted in fervor last week when Attorney-General Abdullahi Dahir Barre ordered the arrest of Supreme Court Chief Justice Yusuf Ali Harun on corruption charges. [ Full story]

 

Chief Justice Harun remains incarcerated at a Mogadishu jail, despite demands by Prime Minister Gedi for his immediate release. Gedi has since sacked the Attorney-General who has refused to step down, saying that only the president has the legal authority to terminate him.

 

Foreign Minister Mesfin has close relations with both Yusuf and Gedi. He has mediated in the past between the leaders, both staunchly allied to Addis Ababa.

 

A senior government official in Mogadishu who declined to be named told Garowe Online that it is "unfortunate" for a foreigner to repeatedly mediate between the Somali leaders.

 

The Somali president and his prime minister will soon depart Mogadishu en route to Baidoa, 250km away, where Foreign Minister Mesfin is expected to land.

 

 

‘No dispute’

 

Somalia's parliament Speaker, Sheikh Adan "Madobe" Mohamed, aimed to quell growing concerns today when he told lawmakers in Baidoa that there is "no dispute" between President Yusuf and Prime Minister Gedi.

 

He said the leaders have different views on some issues, but that this should not be misconstrued as a political dispute.

 

Speaker Madobe blamed domestic and foreign media for "exaggerating" reports on the personal relationship between Yusuf and Gedi.

 

"I appeal to you lawmakers to not take sides [in this issue]…and to work towards the greater good and uphold the constitution," the parliament Speaker said.

 

Speaking about Chief Justice Harun's arrest, Speaker Madobe said it is not possible for the leader of the country's judicial system to be arrested without lawful justification.

 

"Everyone must know that no one is above the law," the parliament Speaker said.

 

 

Source: Garowe Online

[Jacaylbaro]