The opposition is up in arms following the decision by the government of President Mohamed Farmaajo to go ahead with its onslaught against rebel states in Somalia.
Later this year, President Farmaajo will be up against opposition candidate(s) as he tries to defend his seat.
However, critics now believe that the president seems intent on getting rid of the Presidents of all “rebellious” states. He plans to replace them with leaders who are loyal to him.
A week ago, Galmudug elected its new President in an election that several other candidates boycotted. Those who boycotted the polls opted to run parallel elections instead.
However, Ali Abdi Kariye Qoorqoor won the elections and received congratulatory messages from the Federal Government of Somalia, the US, IGAD, and the African Union.
Government officers said the messages of support were designed to forestall any possible chaos.
Opposition MPs, though, believe the support indicates the government’s intentions against federal states that want no association with Mogadishu.
Mogadishu is unwilling to let go of regions such as Galmudug, which offer economic lifelines to the entire nation.