Thursday March 13, 2025
Somali Deputy Minister of Information Abdirahman Sheikh Yusuf Al-Adaala (foreground) faces mounting pressure from opposition lawmakers (background) after accusing some MPs of echoing Al-Shabaab rhetoric. The controversy has escalated into a parliamentary summons, deepening political tensions in Mogadishu.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali lawmakers will summon Deputy Minister of Information Abdirahman Sheikh Yusuf Al-Adaala to parliament following remarks in which he accused some MPs of echoing Al-Shabaab's rhetoric.
The dispute arose after Al-Adaala claimed in a Facebook post that lawmakers advocating for President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's resignation were serving as spokespeople for the militant group. His comments sparked outrage among opposition MPs, who condemned the allegations as an attack on the legislature's integrity.
MP Abdirashid Jilley, a vocal critic of the government, said the remarks were baseless and called for the deputy minister to provide evidence to support his claims. "The idea that a government official would accuse MPs of sympathizing with Al-Shabaab is unacceptable," Jilley stated. He also accused Al-Adaala of directing Somali National Television (SNTV) to censor content related to opposition legislators.
The controversy follows claims that more than 100 MPs have signed a motion calling for President Mohamud's resignation, citing his failure in leadership. However, opposition lawmakers have yet to release an official list of signatories. Footage from a press conference outside parliament on Wednesday showed over two dozen MPs addressing the media, but no verifiable documentation confirming the signatures has surfaced.
Al-Adaala, a key figure in the government's communications strategy, has previously been at the center of disputes over his rhetoric against political opponents. His latest comments further fuel tensions between the administration and lawmakers critical of the president's leadership.
It remains unclear when Al-Adaala will be summoned, but opposition MPs insist he must explain to the House of the People. The controversy underscores growing political divisions in Somalia as the country navigates security and governance challenges.