In a rapidly evolving political situation, more than 50 Somali lawmakers have signed a motion to waive the immunity of 25 federal Members of Parliament (MPs) who recently supported pro-Ethiopian demonstrations in the South West regional state. The demonstrations, which took place in two towns within the region, have sparked significant controversy and political tension within the Somali government.
The motion to strip these MPs of their immunity was discussed during a lengthy and heated debate at the Somali Parliament’s headquarters- Villa Hargeisa, in Mogadishu. However, the session ended without any progress after the Speaker of the House of the People, Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur “Aadan Madobe,” declined to accept the motion, effectively stalling the initiative.
The refusal by Speaker Aadan Madobe to move forward with the motion has created a deadlock in Parliament, preventing further action on the issue. As a result, Monday’s scheduled legislative session was postponed, leaving the fate of the 25 MPs uncertain.
The push to waive immunity is seen as a direct response to the MPs’ public support for the presence of Ethiopian troops in the South West state, a position that many within the Somali government view as compromising national sovereignty. The presence of Ethiopian forces in the region has been a contentious issue, fueling tensions even as ATMIS term ends and Somalia government has recommended the the forces will not be part of the new security Mission.
Insiders within the Somali Parliament have described the situation as still active , with political maneuvering expected to continue in the coming days.
