NAIROBI, 25 August 2013 (IRIN) - Uncertainty gripped the Somali federal government on Sunday after 47 members of parliament, including several ministers and deputies, resigned from office.
"We resigned after it became very clear that this government is not interested in peace or reconciliation," said Maxamuud Xasan Suleymaan, Minister for Finance. "More are expected to announce [their resignations] at a press conference later this evening."
Suleymaan said the group had tried to persuade the government to end hostiles with Jubbaland & Puntland but "instead of reconciliation they are preparing for war".
Maxamuud Xasan Suleymaan, Minister for Finance, said the ministers had handed their resignation letters to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon. "So far 4 ministers and deputy ministers have handed in their letters today [Sunday]," he added.
Government spokesman told IRIN the government "is not in a position to comment on these resignations at this time".
