Farmaajo Gives in to Domestic and Foreign Pressure over Term Extension

President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo announced that he would no longer pursue the controversial term extension.

Farmaajo’s term ended on February 8, 2021.

However, the House of Representatives voted to extend his term by a further two years.

Farmaajo welcomed the decision by parliament.

Nevertheless, the country has been experiencing a tumultuous period since early April when the Lower House passed the bill extending Farmaajo’s term.

On April 27, Farmaajo announced that he would no longer be keen on the extension.

He made this decision a few hours after Galmudug and HirShabelle, two regional states that have been loyal to his rule, rejected the term extension.

Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble also supported the decision by the two Federal Member States (FMS).

Later on Tuesday night, Farmaajo addressed the nation.

In his address to the nation, Farmaajo said he would meet with the Lower House on Saturday to urge lawmakers to restore the agreement signed on September 17.

The September 17 deal stated that federal lawmakers would be elected indirectly.

These lawmakers would then have the opportunity to elect the new President of the Federal Republic of Somalia.