Lawmakers accuse interim govt of incompetence

30 Jan 30, 2010 - 1:40:11 PM

Somali lawmakers have accused the embattled transition government of doing little to change the situation in the war-torn country.

The lawmakers numbering more than 50 held press conference in the restive capital Mogadishu and state their displeasure with the government of President Sharif Sheikh Sheikh Ahmed, who yesterday celebrated the first anniversary since his election.

“The leaders of the transition government have failed to do something about country, because they are preoccupied with their personal affairs,” said lawmaker Dhaqane.

He said the government needs to declare that it’s not able to do something about the situation in the country or show its tangible achievements to the public, noting that controlling few blocks is not domination.

“Sheikh Sharif, Sharmarke and Madobe must come up with concrete evidence to show their accomplishments or step down to allow others who can do things better way,”

Lawmaker Ma’alin Jis, who also spoke at the press conference, said the current government stands better chance than the previous ones but seems to be incompetent.

“When Sheikh Sharif was elected president, the government was holding Mogadishu and many other regions but today, its holed up in Villa Somalia, which shows how its ineffectual,” said Jis

These views from the lawmakers are also echoed by residents of Mogadishu, the only city that government has some few blocks under its wings.

Many residents believe that the government will only survive if it takes the reconciliation approach.

President Ahmed was elected late January last year in neighbouring Djibouti after he led his group to join the government in an international backed peace process.