Somali lawmakers protest non-payment

5 Jan 5, 2010 - 6:24:08 AM



Somali lawmakers are protesting against the non-payment of nine months, resulting to the delay in parliament proceedings.

Somali speaker Sheikh Adan Madobe and his 2nd Deputy Prof. Mahammed Omar Dalha, said the parliamentary session could not be hold before settling the dues of the lawmakers.

“The MPs could not afford expenses to attend the parliament. And they don’t have security guards who will protect them inside Mogadishu, particularly the government-controlled areas,” said Prof. Dalha.

The Speaker on his part said the several agendas are lined up for the parliament to debate but could not be debated because of lawmakers’ non-payment.

“The lawmakers don’t have money to rent cars. So, they need allowance to allow them attend the meetings and that’s the work of TFG,” added Madobe.

However, the 2nd Deputy Speaker says the parliament will resume its sitting once all this is settled and the MPs who are currently outside the country return to the restive capital.

The Somali parliament sitting has been postponed several times due to lack of quorum or attacks by rebel forces, which are waging war against the UN-backed government.