HAWIYE HERITAGE INSTITUTE

[Bermooda]

Condemns Mohamuud

The Consequences of Political Infighting

The rift between the two top officeholders in Somalia, and the subsequent removal of Prime Minister Abdi Farah Shirdon 'Saa'id', has dealt a serious blow to the credibility of the Federal Government of Somalia and disoriented it from the urgent task of statebuilding. Another phase of infighting could lead to the collapse of this government.For a little over a year, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Shirdon demonstrated an unusually high degree of harmony. Early on the duo pledged publicly that, as long-time friends, they will commit to a ‘rift-free’ government for the sake of the nation. Amid mounting criticism against the government, however, the spirit of cooperation between the two began to fade. The consolidation of inclusive politics has given way to the internal squabbling so characteristic of previous transitional governments. The net result is a disoriented leadership and weakened government lacking domestic cohesion and
international confidence. Conflict between presidents and prime ministers in Somalia is all too familiar. Since 2000,
infighting among the executive has grounded the country’s slow and fragile process of recovery to a halt on eight occasions. The presidents tend to prevail but at a significant cost to their reputation and capacity to affect progress.

http://www.heritageinstitute.org/wp-con ... LISH-1.pdf